Art and About: Cycling Through London’s Creative Corners
London offers endless opportunities for exploring creative expression. From framed masterpieces in the National Gallery to thought-provoking installations in the Tate Modern, the city’s art spaces attract millions of visitors every year and offer a glimpse into history, culture, and artistic ideas. Yet, London’s art scene spans far beyond gallery walls, spilling into the city’s streets, and making artworks a common encounter everywhere we go. From the striking works of Banksy to captivating sculptures and subtle creative messages, the city offers an abundance of outdoor art, waiting to be explored.
In this article, we journey through two contrasting areas, uncovering the surprising artistic treasures of Canary Wharf and the vibrant street art of Shoreditch and Brick Lane. Besides tracing a fantastic cycling route, the suggested artworks could also be the final destinations of your bike ride. We encourage you to notice as you cycle along, paying attention to shapes and colours, and recognising London as the open-air museum it truly is.
Beyond the Boardroom: Canary Wharf’s Sculpture Collection
Known as London’s corporate hub, Canary Wharf may not be the first place that comes to mind when we think of outdoor art. Yet, the area offers a vibrant collection of sculptures, scattered in-between the high-rise buildings and docks. Here, we explore two key artworks which worth pausing for and looking up as you cycle across the financial district.
Two Men on a Bench by Gilles Penny (1995)
Two Men on a Bench is a large, captivating bronze sculpture by British artist Gilles Penny. Dating from 1995, the sculpture is located in Cabot Square and depicts two men sitting back-to-back without engaging. The artwork invites us to reflect on modern human connections and has a contemplative air. Gilles Penny produces witty and original structures, easily recognisable for their focus on simplified human forms and strong character. Another one of his structures, Man with Arms Open, can be found nearby.
Draped Seated Woman by Henry Moore (1957-1958)
Perceived by many as the foremost British sculptor of the 20th century, Henry Moore is an English artist internationally known for his monumental sculptures inspired by the human body. Just before the height of his artistic power in the 60s, he created Draped Seated Woman which is currently located on the exterior of Cabot Square in Canary Wharf. The larger-than-life-size bronze sculpture, depicts an irregularly proportioned woman, affectionately known as Old Flo, and holds a significant place in the borough’s artistic heritage.
These two sculptures stood out for us, but Canary Wharf has so much more to offer; you can find a full list of public art in the area here. The area is accessible via several cycling routes including the Thames Path and the 20-mile London Docklands and Lea Valley route of the National Cycle network. Whether you are a commuter looking for inspiration or a leisure cyclist looking for new sights, remember to park your bike safely with us at Hudjo in our Canary Wharf NipNip location while you play hide and seek with the art.
Discovering Street Art in Shoreditch and Brick Lane
With creativity on display around every corner, the Shoreditch and Brick Lane area is home to a thriving street art scene. Rightfully perceived as the key hotspot for street art spotting in London, the area offers a glimpse into a diverse world of art. From giant murals to smaller illustrations, from world-known artists to up-and-coming creators, this is the right place to cycle through if you are on the hunt for inspiration.
His Master’s Voice, Banksy (2003)
No discussion about street art is complete without mentioning Banksy. Rising to prominence in the early 1990s, the artist has achieved world-class fame, with his art commonly exploring themes of politics, culture, and social issues. His Master’s Voice, known as Rocket Dog, is one of Banksy’s key pieces in London. Depicting a white dog aiming a bazooka at a vintage gramophone, the artwork symbolises the struggle of the traditional music industry in the digital era. Banksy appropriates the logo of HMV, a British music and entertainment firm established in the 1920s, referencing a bygone era that calls for a change and making a bold statement about evolution in the music industry. The artwork can be found on Rivington Street along with another piece by Banksy, Designated Graffiti Area.
You can continue exploring street art in Shoreditch, or turn toward Brick Lane, where you will encounter a more recent Banksy piece. Making an appearance in August 2024 as part of Banksy’s new nine-part animal-themed collection, this piece of art depicts three monkeys swinging along Brick Lane Bridge. The animal-themed trail captured the attention of media and passersby this summer as the Banksy made nine appearances across London in nine consecutive days, with the final piece being The Gorilla at the London Zoo.
Hedgehog by ROA (2012)
While exploring Brick Lane, make sure to pass by ROA’s Hedgehog on Chance Street. The Belgian artist is well known for his obsession with animals, often incorporating local wildlife into his work. This charming hedgehog, rendered in monochrome, showcases ROA’s unique style and meticulous attention to detail.
As you cycle through London’s creative landscapes - in Canary Wharf, Shoreditch, and beyond - try to look up, pay attention, and notice. Recognise shapes, follow lines, and make out forms. Being immersed in creativity does not have to mean making time for a museum. Instead, you can hop on your bike, be it for your commute or a leisurely cycle, and explore the art which thrives in open air.
More about Hudjo
Hudjo is an Airbnb-style platform that offers a network of trusted locations around London where you can park your bike safely and securely, eliminating the risk of theft.
We encourage cycling and active travel across the city by providing you with a worry-free opportunity for bike parking within the spare spaces of small businesses such as cafes, bars, shops, and offices.
