Paddington’s glowing greenhouse redesigned with a Human Rights message
A greenhouse covered in messages of love and hope has appeared near Paddington, and it’s a work of public art.
Created to mark the anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it’s actually an update on an existing greenhouse work of art that was installed a few years ago in the same location.
The glowing stained glass has been replaced with clear glass and painted with words from the UDHR, and inside, two boulders perched on top of each other. The boulders are by the ‘stone-balancing artist’ Adrian Gray.
It’s a difficult work of art because it’s terrifically worthy and noble but somehow lacks the excitement of the previous incarnation. That glowing greenhouse was something worth seeking out for the joy it gave passersby. This new version is almost easy to walk past without noticing the art that’s been painted onto the glass, and unless you get up close, maybe even just assume it’s for the estate it’s next to.
This is a pity as it tries to share an important message about human rights, but it’s just a tad difficult to see the message for the glass.
The revamped greenhouse can be found outside 25 Porchester Place, London, W2 2PE.
At least there is some art – l after the stairs Ed glass was better but let’s keep the kettle boiling g and build another and another. Maybe a surround of those pods for homeless folks you can get keep them safe and warm
Oh damn auto spell I meant I agree the stained glass was more beautiful but this is good too and I think a stone henge like addition of pods would be wonderful
Full disclosure, I am one of the ‘curators’ of the human rights greenhouse and I confess I prefer this new work, compared with the one that was there before, because this work literally emits information during the day AND at night, when it is even more beautiful in my view. Please go back to the site and scan the QR code on the sign. This will tell you lots about the work. And please encourage all your friends and peer groups to go, particularly students and the younger generation who are losing touch with their rights and where they come from. Thank you.
Hi Tony here
Just a light hearted comment after reading it
Well technically they got it totally wrong
It’s not the same greenhouse – sorry
It’s a new work entirely but also using the symbolism of greenhouses etc and I’m not quite sure why anyone wants to compare two entirely different art works which are conveying totally different messages .maybe cos they’re greenhouses ?but why not I guess .
It’s like they are describing to the public what’s this years trend in greenhouse colours
I do however like the idea that out of the original incarnation of stained glass a miracle happened overnight and it has morphed from being a fantasy work about pagan and animistic creation myths into a comment on current world affairs .
Wonderful if the stained glass had some amazing powers of reverse transubstantiation or other alchemical ability
Thanks for sending it .
A miracle ,a miracle !
A place of pilgrimage
T the person who did it
Is the new work lit after dark? What time would that be? I only saw the previous greenhouse in daylight …