Curating the Collection for 80 The Strand
80 Strand is a magnificent Art Deco, Grade II building designed by Frances Milton of Messrs Joseph architects in 1930-31. Sitting on the banks of the River Thames the 226,000 sq ft building standing on the site of the Hotel Cecil and was originally built for Shell-Mex and later by BP.
The building underwent a full refurbishment completed in 2022, with the addition of a stunning architectural glass Pavilion welcoming visitors from The Strand. At the heart of the building adjoining the cafe, the Glasshouse Garden has created a contemporary shared working space in a beautiful landscaped internal garden.
As part of the refurbishment to transform the existing structure into a dynamic and modern building for the 21st century, a collection of artworks was selected and curated by Branch Arts.
Chosen to reflect the grand scale and elegance of the building's interiors, the collection brings together a group of contemporary artists whose practice explores many aspects of modern life, from questions of identity and commentaries on urban living, to considerations of our fragile natural world.
Sourced from galleries, artist studios and commissioned as site-specific pieces, the work all resonate with the evolution of 80 The Strand. The collection has been carefully selected to be shared in a dynamic working environment. As you walk through the public spaces, the artworks invite you on a journey that reflects London’s international melting pot of creative talent whilst remaining firmly rooted in the history of this iconic building.
Curated by Branch Arts, the collection was brought together in close partnership with interior designers Carter Owers and PDP London.
Original works by Jelly Green, Joel Redman, Elaine Kazimierczuk, Catherine Cazalet, Alice Motte Munoz and David Anthony Hall sit alongside editions by master printmakers, Idris Khan, Susan Derges, Paul Cleden, Jason Hicklin, Sarah Duncan, Bronwen Sleigh and Emma Stibbon.
To celebrate the building’s cultural heritage, the collection also includes five prints commissioned by Shell as part of their arts and advertising programme in the 1930s.
Branch Arts have published a Collection Catalogue for the client. If you are interested in hearing more about our consultancy services please email or visit.
CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE CATALOGUE