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Don't depend on our vote, say artists
Jason Beattie, Chief Political Correspondent11 Mar 2008
A host of Britain's leading artists have launched an extraordinary attack on Ken Livingstone's "destruction of London".
Names including Tracey Emin, Dinos Chapman, and Rachel Whiteread hit out at the Mayor for "destroying" the city through "relentless" development.
The broadside is a major blow to Mr Livingstone as he unveils his art strategy today.
It is also a riposte to suggestions that London's art world is fully united behind the Mayor as he seeks a third term of office in the face of a serious challenge from Tory Boris Johnson.
In an open letter, the artists accuse Mr Livingstone of "destroying what makes London special" by allowing developers virtually free rein to bulldoze communities.
They warn their studios at Bishopsgate Goodsyard, Shoreditch, are under threat because of the Mayor's agreement to two high-rise buildings there.
"We, and thousands of others who live and work in this community, are facing the prospect of being driven out of the area by runaway development," the letter says. It continues: "As developers seek to multiply their profits with every floor we feel as if we are living in a latter-day gold rush where ordinary rules do not apply.
"The proposals are corporate plunder of the most cynical kind, and this has apparently been endorsed by the GLA.
"We are part of a long tradition of artists and artisans who settled here to live, work and create and bring up our families, and we draw inspiration from being part of the East End's strong social fabric. The area continues to attract creative people and has become a unique hub of cultural and social enterprise.
"The GLA's relentless support for tall buildings, with no consideration for their context, is destroying what makes London special. This historic area and its communities deserve an enlightened and creative approach to development, not a sterile, corporate monoculture."
Other signatories to the letter include Gary Hume, Cornelia Parker, Gillian Wearing, Michael Landy and Adam Dant.
The artists want Mr Livingstone to impose an immediate moratorium on two multi-storey developments in Shoreditch and for a new masterplan for the neighbourhood that "truly benefits the local population".
Last week Mr Livingstone raised thousands of pounds by auctioning works of art by Banksy, Antony Gormley and others.
But artist Brad Lochore, who organised the Shoreditch letter, said that not all of London's artistic community was backing the Mayor.
"We are saying 'we are not all for Ken'. We question quite deeply this whole policy," he said. Mr Lochore added the Mayor had only listened "to what the Corporation of London wants".
Community groups also hit out at the plans.
An organisation called Open Shoreditch said: "A democratic approach to the planning of the area is completely absent.
"The long-term communities, small businesses, new residents - anyone with a stake in the area, a link with the area, a history in the area - have all been ignored."
Reader views (5)
Ken appears to love all re-development whatever its merits. If too much of old London is demolished for new developments then its unique character will be lost. For example the plans for redeveloping Smithfield will spoil a most unusual part of London that could be restored rather than demolished.
- James Wild, London, UK, 13/03/2008 21:35
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Music to this ex-Londoner's ears. Remember what comedian Joan Rivers said on an ES mag back page about what she most misses about London when she is away? The open skies was her reply. In New York she didn't get to see the sky much(canyon city). London is too special to lose to sheep-like pretend New York/Hong Kongism as part of some third-rate, insecure, wannabe strategy for 'making it' or proving worth. London IS!
- Valerie, Hove, UK, 11/03/2008 23:20
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I agree Ken Livingstons is destroying London with corporate developments.
- Michael Salkeld, London, UK, 11/03/2008 20:48
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I guess they didn't donate any works in support of Ken.
My personal experience with redevelopment and eviction under a Mayor's rules, is that the person responsible in providing the green light (the Mayor), has financial interest in building industry. It is usually recommended to observe vacant properties for vandalism by civil servants under orders, who usually without permit start the demolition by wrecking roofs and making properties unhealthy. Then they have a good excuse for redevelopment. Use the strength of the community to renovate yourself your properties and bring them to their full glory works. The Mayor usually loose the next election.
Good Luck
- Lauren, London, UK, 11/03/2008 20:46
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I don't think Ken believed he could depend on the vote of artists, any more than Boris can totally depend on the vote of all 4x4 drivers!
Legitimate concerns can be raised via preservation of historical buildings but progress must not be sacrificed by simply towing the line to what already exists. We need a balance between the two, currently London seems to be managing that alright.
We must remember, thankfully, we are far removed from the days of such impressive constructions as Euston Station being replaced by faceless eyesores.
Don't hate it because it's modern. Emin's art is progressive and has redefined the concept and boundaries of art. Architecture needs to do that too, it cannot remain totally adherent to the norms of the 19th century!
- Sam Cullen, London, UK, 11/03/2008 15:45
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