Do you ever find that when you travel, you’ll arrive home, only to find that you’ve missed something? Maybe it’s a museum, or a fantabulous (but cheap) restaurant in the middle of Rome? Perhaps you’re so glued to your itinerary that you don’t permit yourself to stop and smell the proverbial roses. It’s happened to us all, no doubt.
But, here is a post about art that, rather than being under your nose, is right under your feet. And, chances are that you’ve never seen it, no matter how many times you’ve been to London and no matter how much of a sleuth you imagine yourself to be. But, once you see it, you’ll never un-see and and you will run at full speed to tell all of your friends and loved about it.
Many people know British artist Ben Wilson from his paintings on tiny ceramic tiles to his vast outdoor sculptural environments. Ben works in a consciously spontaneous way, allowing each artwork to evolve from its place and its time.
But – oddly enough – did you know about his thousands of miniature paintings on discarded pieces of chewing gum. His work has become a defining featuring of London’s Millennium Bridge, a modern structure spanning the Thames, and connecting such South Bank attractions as Tate Modern and the Shakespeare’s Globe with St. Paul’s Cathedral to the north.
Often carrying personal messages or meanings suggested by people he happens to meet, the ‘gum pics’ have amazed and delighted pedestrians since he began creating them in 2004. Read more here about Ben. And don’t forget to walk over the London Millennium Bridge, drop down on your hands and knees and experience his craft.
Budget: $$
Typical Prices for two people: Event – from: $16.00. Flights from USD $1,262. Hotel US $2,761 for 11 nights
When to go: anytime
Family friendly: 4 of 5 stars
Public transportation: 4 of 5 stars
Main languages: English
English speaking: 5 of 5 stars
LGBTQ+ Equality Index rank: 84 / 100
Take a cruise on the River Thames. You can look up and maybe see the gum art, too. Click here to book.
Stay at the fun nHow hotel, a celebration of London told through innovative and immersive design. Click here to book.
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