The power of public art in Canary Wharf

An interview with curator Lowri Harries

A work by Helaine Blumenfled, which is part of the CWG collection

Canary Wharf is home to over 100 pieces of public art, and it’s continuing to grow, making it the UK’s largest outdoor free to visit public art collection.

I spoke to associate curator of public art for the Canary Wharf Group (CWG) Lowri Harries about what art brings to the area, why it’s important and what future plans there are for the art collection. 

In the interview below we talk art maps, Camille Walala, the dialogue between the public art and the architecture of the area, and Lowri picks some of her favourite pieces - along with a few if-you-know-you-know artworks and artist-designed features that might go unnoticed unless you’re looking for them.

Lowri with Old Flo by Henry Moore

Hi Lowri. So: what does art add to the area, and why is it important?

It was always part of the vision for the area to make art an integral part of the masterplan. It’s important that it remains free and accessible to everyone, with no pretences. It’s a chance for anyone to see everything ranging from a work by sculptor Henry Moore to pieces by contemporary artists such as Camille Walala.