London Walkway

Posted by on 25 May 2010

Client: Corporation of London

Consultant: W.S. Atkins

The re-lighting of the Riverside Walkway, intended to run continuously from Blackfriars Bridge to Tower Bridge, was designed to complement and reflect the original ornate Victorian plinths and columns situated along the Embankment.

The design, unique to this project, incorporates two royal sturgeons cast into the base, and an intricate coat of arms on the door.  The lantern which reflects the features found on the originals, includes a substantial cast 'castellated' chimney, added to the original design specifically to meet the Planner's requirements.

Strict criteria were included in the contract by the consultants regarding the lighting distribution.  A reflector was developed for this project which provided an extended light pattern to illuminate the walkway, and avoided unsightly 'shadows' appearing on the surface of the sphere.

The columns are made to be adjustable in height to account for variation in the wall level.  All metal components were fully polyester powder coated, and the coat-of-arms highlighted in fine detail.

Additional work included full-height columns to the same design, special plinths, 'trellis' columns and the refurbishment of existing columns at London Bridge.  Candela were contracted to remove, refurbish and replace these ornate - irreplaceable - lighting columns, and this was accomplished with the help of a Thames crane barge.

The columns were transported to our works, shot blasted and then hot zinc sprayed, followed by undercoat, top finish and highlighting.

The new lanterns incorporate the winged 'Peers Helmet' added to the Corporation's arms in 1539.