Beacon by Lee Broom

Positioned at the entrance of the Royal Festival Hall on London's Southbank, the installation draws inspiration from the area's iconic Brutalist architecture and the legacy of the 1951 Festival of Britain, once heralded as a "beacon of change." Made using a special fusing technology developed to upcycle discarded glass fragments, it reinterprets classic street lamps to form the structure collectively resembling a vast sculptural chandelier. One of Beacon’s most captivating features will be its dynamic choreography of light. As Big Ben strikes the hour across the river, the installation’s illuminated shades will come to life. Beginning with a slow, poetic pulse the light show will build in tempo to a dramatic crescendo. This moment not only animates the sculpture but also weaves it into the fabric of the city, connecting its architectural and cultural references with London’s sense of time, history, and presence, and inviting passers by to share in an immersive experience that is both rooted in place and alive with movement. The installation has been sustainably constructed so its components can be repurposed into individual light fixtures after deinstallation, ensuring both beauty and longevity. As a major piece of public art, Beacon has been conceived not only as a design installation but as a shared experience in the public realm, one that is open, accessible, and intended for all.