Thursday, 1 April 2010

John Lewis and London College of Fashion, Oxford Street W1

There aren't many places in London where you can see two decent 1960s artworks without moving, but stand opposite Holles Street and you get Barbara Hepworth's Winged Figure of 1963 on the side wall of John Lewis and a pretty mosaic panel on the front of the London College of Fashion, dating from the same year. Two for the price of one.
The Winged Figure is an aluminium shape with cross-wires that looks as much like some sort of bizarre harp or lyre as a winged figure, but it is a strong and original work.


The mosaic is nice but conservative, rather 1930s than 1960s, with a pair of scissors cutting ribbons and a sewing machine putting in a zip. All done in tasteful blues.

No comments: