Tag: tower bridge

A Bridge with a View

Published on 01st June 2022

Come rain or shine, the panorama from the West Walkway is one of the main attractions of Tower Bridge. Countless photographs are taken from it every single day. A huge number of artists have taken the views as their inspiration. William Lionel Wyllie (1851-1931) portrayed Tower Bridge on its opening day, 30 June 1894. In 1902, William Alister Macdonald (1860-1956) memorialised the Pool of London in a watercolour of same name. Decades later, in 1940, Charles Pears (1873-1958) painted Tower Bridge during the Second World War in Pool of London during Dockland Air Raids. Nigerian-born artist Uzo Egonu (1931-1996) rendered the landmark in Tower Bridge (1969), a bold composition that merged abstraction with a cyclical, bird’s eye perspective. Many other artists captured the Bridge and the views of the Thames. Names like Eve Kirk (1900-1969), James Page-Roberts (b. 1925), Frank Brangwyn (1867-1856), Christopher R. W. Nevinson (1889-1946), Martin Parr (b. 1952) and Hanna Moon (b. 1988).  These painters and photographers offer fascinating testimonies of the changing face of London. They make us travel in time and realise that the history of this city stretches back much further than the Victorian era to Roman times. London is where the old and the new meet, side by side. To immortalise the very same views in 2022, Tower Bridge has commissioned English artist Melissa Scott-Miller to paint what she sees from the West Walkway. A Bridge with A View is a celebration of London and an ode to this vibrant city. The project takes place throughout the summer, and will include public workshops and family activities. Visitors to the attraction will be able to observe Melissa painting during their visit and see how the artwork progresses. More about Melissa Scott-Miller and the project here. 

Jumping Buses

Published on 04th May 2022

One of our favourite stories is when a bus jumped over an opening Tower Bridge in December 1952. This feat took place long before video cameras became common so we’ve never seen it on film, until now! Come and join in the family activities at Tower Bridge on Saturday 21 and Tuesday 31 May. Create your own stop-motion animation to take home. Family activities are free with admission, drop in and open to children of all ages but are particularly appropriate for those aged 6 to 10. Where: Inside the Engine Rooms Time: 10am – 4pm When: Saturday 21 and Tuesday 31 May

Get Creative with Tower Bridge at Home

Published on 08th January 2021

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Tower Bridge may not be open, but there are plenty of activities you can dive into at home! Designed to compliment and enhance your a visit along with your knowledge of Tower Bridge, these family friendly activities are sure to do just that. Children’s Art Week 2020 Learn to marble, make your own comic strip and even try some origami! Learn Semaphore Semaphore is a way of sending messages to people who you can see but are too far away to talk to. Using your arms (or flags), you can spell out words – each position means a different letter. Before the radio was invented, semaphore was used to communicate with ships to check they were ready to pass through. Making a moving Tower Bridge Picture Got a printer, scissors and blutak to hand? Create your own moving Tower Bridge picture with this cut out. Make a stop motion film Recreate the moving bus that jumped over an opening Tower Bridge in 1952! Make an origami boat  Thousands of boats pass under Tower Bridge every year. Follow the instructions to make your very own origami flotilla. Dot to dot and colouring sheets  Pens and pencils at the ready! Enjoy a series of dot to dots and colouring sheets.  

Tower Bridge Beach

Published on 21st December 2020

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Believe it or not, between 1930 and 1970 the Tower of London used to be just at popular for its beach as it was for it Tower. Families would flock to the ‘seaside’ even dipping their toes in the ‘sea.’ Children would build sandcastles and eat ice cream whilst there was entertainment and deck chairs to rent.  Many of the families who went to the beach were from the East End and couldn’t afford to go to the seaside in holiday, and would regularly visit. The beach was officially opened in 23 July, 1934 when King George V declared the area would remain free for the city’s children to use. The beach closed during the war, but resumed in 1946. It wasn’t until the 1970’s that there were concerns over pollution in the river with the beach officially closing in 1971. Image: Henry Grant

Gaucho Tower Bridge launch new private dining pods

Published on 05th December 2020

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In collaboration with Domaine Chandon, Gaucho’s secluded pods are the perfect opportunity for small groups to catch up and reunite for a special occasion, or simply for some peace and quiet in a private setting.  With spectacular views of Tower Bridge and the River Thames, the pods will be a permanent fixture at our Gaucho Tower Bridge restaurant, throughout the winter and spring months. For the winter months, get cosy with luxurious sheepskin throws, hot water bottles and blankets, in addition to your very own music and mood lighting, with your very own server, a seasonal drink’s menu and of course, a bottle of Chandon. For more information or to book for a special occasion, please contact: jolanta.blaut@rarerestaurants.co.uk | 0207 925 390

Arthur’s Christmas at Tower Bridge

Venture back in time with this fun family interactive experience at Tower Bridge. Arthur, one of the Bridge’s engineer must work over Christmas. This year his friends Duffer the chef and Alice the engineer are inviting families to surprise Arthur with some festive cheer! Learn about the Bridge, solve clues to help find gifts to give to Arthur and then visit him in the Engine Rooms to wish him a happy Christmas.  You’ll begin their journey in the North Tower, journeying up into the Glass Walkways, and ending in the historic Victorian Engine Rooms. Find out more

8 ways to enjoy London Bridge from Home

Published on 16th November 2020

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Bring a little bit of London Bridge magic into your living room with these lockdown friendly activities.   1. Treat yourself to one of these ‘At Home’ Restaurant Kits  The recent shift in where we work and how we socialise may have left you missing your favourite London Bridge haunts, but have no fear. These SE1 restaurants and bars have been busy getting creative with ways to bring their culinary delights to your doorstep. Find out more 2. Watch Phillip Pullman’s Grimm Tales Online Filmed at the Unicorn Theatre, aimed at ages 8 – 12, these short, vivid new readings are available to watch online for free, until 21 February 2021. Watch now 3.  Liven up your Zoom background  Bring SE1 to your screen with our selection of backgrounds from the London Bridge area. Download now 4. Get Creative with Tower Bridge Explore these family friendly activities for you to do at home including tutorials on how to make an origami boat and a stop motion film. Find out more 5. Shake up one of your favourite tipples  Browse our back catalogue of cocktail books, including concoctions from the likes of Aqua Shard, The Coal Shed and Santo Remedio  Find out more 6. Discover fascinating insights into the creation and realisation of the Tooley Street Triangle In this recording of an online discussion between Charles Holland and the Director of the London Festival of Architecture (LFA), you’ll find out about the design and realisation of this unique London Bridge landmark Watch now 7. Pick up a pen with The Poetry Takeaway  Celebrate your own unique voice and creativity in these fun, free-flowing writing sessions with The Poetry Takeaway’s Laurie Bolger. Watch now 8. Stock up your cellar  With Trivet, Vivat Bacchus and Gaucho Tower Bridge now offering an excellent selection of curated wines online, it’s the perfect time to stock up. Browse Trivet Wine Shop / Gaucho Wine Shop / Vivat Bacchus Wine Shop Find more ways to enjoy London Bridge from home at teamlondonbridge.co.uk/lovelondonbridge

Take part in new Tower Bridge exhibition ‘Lives of a Landmark’

Published on 29th September 2020

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Tower Bridge wants you! Take part in Tower Bridge’s new photography exhibition, exploring the lives that connect London’s defining landmark today. With London’s defining landmark only 126 years old, the many staff, engineers and visitors today are a key part of its history. Opening on October 16th, Lives of a Landmark celebrates the lives of Tower Bridge today more prominently than ever before; piecing together the story of the people working behind the scenes at the historical bridge, and the visitors who walk its floors. How to feature For a chance to feature in the Lives of a Landmark exhibition, share your own tales of the Bridge on social media using the hashtag #MyTowerBridge; whether it’s a treasured memory of a visit, or simply a feeling that the landmark embodies for you. As well as the opportunity to feature in the exhibition, all stories will also be in with a chance of winning two complimentary tickets to visit inside Tower Bridge every month throughout the exhibition run, Find out more 

Tower Bridge Relaxed Opening

Published on 06th August 2020

Experience a more relaxed Tower Bridge Once a month on a Saturday, Tower Bridge host Relaxed Opening for anyone who would like to explore the Bridge in a calm, tranquil atmosphere, including people with autism and any other needs, as well as their siblings, families and carers. More information/book here Families are able to explore the Towers and Engine Rooms and also take part in a family trail if they wish. This useful visual story  may help prepare for your visit.

Welcome Back: Tower Bridge

Published on 06th July 2020

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Following the reopening of London’s defining landmark this weekend, we speak to Tower Bridge Marketing Manager Amy O’Rourke about bouncing back post-lockdown, bringing the magic of the Bridge into people’s homes, and how locals can enjoy a visit for just £1.   Tower Bridge’s Lockdown Experience Although our doors to visitors were closed, there were key workers at the Bridge maintaining our critical functions for safety and security. Lockdown proved to be an exceptionally busy time for the team as we worked hard to bring the magic of Tower Bridge to people via the “At home” section of the website and through virtual initiatives like our “History of Tower Bridge podcasts”, “’Yoga NOT in the Walkways’, and live streamed talks. Our front of house staff have been brilliant – this experience has verified just how much the team really know about Tower Bridge and what a great resource they are to help tell our stories both onsite and online. What can visitors look forward to?   Visitors will experience a one-way carefully managed visitor route inside Tower Bridge. Visitors can stand on the famous Glass Floors and watch London life from above the River Thames. As well as getting amazing views of the capital, visitors will see the Victorian Engine Rooms that once powered London’s defining landmark. They will see our new measures that we have put in place including protective screens, sanitiser stations, floor markers and signage. You can also look forward to meeting our staff who are excited to return to the Bridge. Which place in London Bridge are you most looking forward to visiting again?  Prosecco House is one of my personal favourite hidden gems and just a stone’s throw away from the Bridge. And if you’re looking for a bite to eat there are some fantastic restaurants along the One Tower Bridge stretch too Tower Bridge’s community ticket is just £1 for residents of Southwark Tower Bridge is now open daily from 10:30-16:00 with last entry at 15:00. Please note these hours will extend from Monday 20 July. Tickets are available to purchase at the Ticket Office from 4-19 July with online tickets available from the 20th July. Share your London Bridge adventures with the hashtags  #atLondonBridge #backinLondonBridge