Six new works have been added to London’s largest outdoor collection of free public art at Canary Wharf, which already includes over 75 pieces by more than 50 different British and international artists. 

One of the biggest names in the recently revamped collection is the American sculptor Helaine Blumenfeld, known for her abstract large scale public sculptures, often made of bronze, clay, and stone. Her piece Metamorphosis has been placed in Wood Wharf, a recently built 23-acre residential site. Blumenfeld, who lives in the UK and was made an honorary OBE in 2011 has another piece of commissioned work, Fortuna, on display close by in Jubilee Park. 

The popular Australian collaborative couple Gillie and Marc also have one of their human-animal hybrid pieces in the new collection – Tandem Lovers. The piece presents the unlikely couple Rabbitwoman and Dogman on a biking adventure. The sculpture has been exhibited worldwide and was made as part of the Travel Everywhere With Love project, which celebrates “re-uniting the world [and]…diversity and togetherness.” 

Camille Walala, who is an East End resident, had her mural, Captivated By Colour, added to the collection. The work was initially made for the first ever London Mural Festival in September this year and is now a permanent feature in the Adams Plaza bridge.  

Another impressive addition is of the 10-metres tall structure Scribbleform, by fellow of the Royal Society of Sculptors and Sculpture program leader at The Art Academy in Borough High Street, Julian Wild. The piece is now one of the biggest on the Estate. 

The collection will see the sculpture Minotaur and Hare on Bench, by esteemed British sculptor Sophie Ryder arriving in the collection later in December.

The Executive Chairman of Canary Wharf Group, Sir George Iacobescu CBE, said in a press release: “Art is a crucial part of the sense of place at Canary Wharf…It is an important way of inspiring and engaging our residents, visitors and the workers on the Canary Wharf estate.” 

Iacobescu highlighted the importance of expanding an outdoor art collection in the current climate, saying: “It is very important to us that all of our public art is accessible for local residents and for visitors from across London, especially in these difficult times.” 

“That is why we have added pieces to our outdoor sculpture and installations, and we have extended our free indoor exhibitions to ensure that people can continue to enjoy the works of some of the best British and international artists safely.”