This colourful new Christmas sculpture has popped up at King’s Cross

London is renowned world over for its mind-blowing Christmas lights. From the flashy extravagance of Winter Wonderland to the glitz and glamour of New Bond Street, in the festive months London is smothered in Christmassy decor.

But this year King’s Cross is offering an alternative to twinkling fairy lights and chintzy tinsel. Called ‘Fluorescence’, it’s a 10.7-metre monument in Granary Square that, with its clean lines and block colours, offers a fresh take on festive adornment. 

‘Fluorescence’ is the brainchild of Manchester-born artist Liz West and it’s the latest in Granary Square’s annual winter installation series. The work of West – known for her installations in Yorkshire Sculpture Park and Chester Cathedral – explores the interplay between colour and light in vibrant installations.

‘Fluorescence’ centres around a tetrahedron in neon hues, towering a whopping 10 meters upwards into London’s grey skies. As the days draw gloomily in and the temperature drops, who can deny that ‘Fluorescence’ provides a welcome burst of colour for the morning commuters and wintery wanderers among us? 

For West, ‘Fluorescence’ is all about contrast. She explains: ‘Using black alongside the bright neon colours creates a striking contrast, adds depth to the piece and allows the eyes a point of rest from the sparkling fluorescence. It’s a joyful artwork that shifts in character from day to night, particularly when the UV lights transform it after dark.’ 

So if you’re bored of candy canes, tinsel and the usual Christmas fare, be sure to visit Granary Square this winter for a modern twist on holiday cheer. And if you don't catch a moment before the big day, no rush. ‘Fluorescence’ is around well into the New Year, until February 25 2025. 

Here’s the ultimate guide to Christmas in London.

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