All six artists pictured left to right are Nazaret Cabrera Fernandez, Tony Harrison, Amy Rogers, Caroline Silver, Gloria Gemignani and Sena Shah standing with Hammersmith & Fulham's Pearly Queen and Princess
Walkers have another reason to enjoy the Thames Path – thanks to our new eye-catching digital Riverfront Art Trail.
Created in partnership with Riverfront Business Group of which Riverside Studios is a key member, the trail features six unique plaques designed by local artists from Hammersmith & Fulham. Each also has a QR code for residents to scan that takes them to a webpage with more information about the trail.
“Our new Thames Path art trail adds to our fantastic riverside and the breadth of talent and creativity on show is fantastic,” said Cllr Andrew Jones, H&F Cabinet Member for the Economy. “Make sure to stop and look up next time you’re down by the river.”
Rich with art
The trail starts outside Sam’s Riverside with longtime Hammersmith local, Sena Shah’s plaque. His felt graphic design was first inspired by the colours of the sun setting on the Thames.
Four years ago, Sena retired from his role at the H&F Clinical Commissioning Group to become an artist. “Now my kids have left home, I can take the plunge and indulge in my art,” he explained.
“Hammersmith & Fulham is rich with art and to have a piece that I’ve created, being selected, and put in a location I’ve known almost since birth, it’s great. It fills me with a sense of pride and achievement.”
The trail continues
The next stop is Riverside Studios with Nazaret Cabrera Fernandez’s sketch of cyclists on Hammersmith Bridge. The drawing features Nazaret’s friend Sara cycling across the bridge in 2020 after lockdown restrictions eased.
“During Covid, I was a little scared to go out,” Nazaret, 33, explained. “But my first walk was across the bridge gave me hope. It’s a special place for me, it brings me a lot of peace.”
The architecture student’s hand drawn design took more than 10 hours to complete, but winning was a complete surprise. “When I found out I called my grandma and my mum,” she said. “And when I first saw it up I screamed a bit, I think people around me thought ‘oh she’s crazy’”.
Iconic history
The trail continues with Tony Harrison’s rowing inspired plaque outside the Blue Anchor Pub, and then a further two by Furnivall Gardens.
The first is Gloria Gemignani’s James Bond inspired, lino print design.
The motion graphic designer built the print herself, choosing James Bond imagery because it combined two iconic elements of the Thames pathway – film history and Hammersmith Bridge.
“You put 007 with a circle and almost straight away you start to think about the barrel gun sequence,” she explained. Originally from Italy, Gloria received her British citizenship this year. “I just feel I’ve been so welcomed by the country and this plaque will now be there for year and years. That’s so cool.”
The second Furnivall Gardens plaque, found closer to Dove’s Passage, is by Caroline Silver. Caroline’s hand painted submission depicts the view of the Thames at Dove’s Passage, outside William Morris’ Kelmscott House.
Young talent
The trail ends outside Linden House with the trail’s youngest artist.
Amy Rogers’, aged six, lives near to the Thames pathway. She was inspired by the sailing boats she sees “dancing on the water” outside London Corinthian Sailing Club.
The six winners were chosen by the Riverfront Business Group. They received 32 submissions from 29 artists. Each design had to visually reflect the themes of living, working and enjoying the riverfront.
“This part of the borough is something of a ‘hidden gem’ and we want to share it with more people,” explained Julie Watson, member of the Riverfront Business Group Steering Group.
“The project gives visitors another reason to visit whilst celebrating local people’s creativity. We had great fun narrowing things down to the final six but congratulate everyone who got involved.”
“Together, we've been able to celebrate the greatness of Hammersmith & Fulham,” added Mac Wysoczanski, project manager. “And the artworks showcased along the riverfront will be a source of inspiration and delight for all who encounter them.”
Check out the designs she competed against in the complete Flickr gallery of art trail submissions here.
Or see more photos from the trail’s official unveiling.
Want to read more news stories like this? Subscribe to our weekly e-news bulletin.
