London’s historic luxury shopping arcade further cements its connection to the art world by transforming its walkway into a beautiful spring meadow
The Scottish poet William Dunbar once said, ‘London, thou art the flower of cities all’ and, as spring emerges, it’s not hard to understand where he was coming from. Especially as Burlington Arcade, the luxury shopping promenade in the heart of Mayfair, has transformed its famous 179-metre-long walkway into a vibrant, flourishing meadow: Burlington in Bloom.
Designed by creative director and designer Amanda Davis of AD Events and inspired by the works of renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Georges Seurat and Gustav Klimt, the colourful installation places the Burlington rose – the symbol of the arcade – at its core via 100 giant flower heads suspended from the arcade’s skylight roof, encapsulating the essence of spring at its finest.
Burlington in Bloom is not just an installation; it’s a celebration of art, nature, and the transformative power of spring,’ says Davis. ‘We wanted to create something that not only enhances the shopping experience but also resonates on an emotional level, reminding us of the beauty and renewal that spring brings.’
Drawing on techniques reminiscent of Pointillism and Pop Art, the design incorporates thousands of hand-drawn dots creating the effect of walking through an abundant field of flowers.
Burlington Arcade has long been associated with art; it stands next to the Royal Academy of Arts and has housed many skilled brands and artisans in its Houses since its creation by Lord Cavendish more than 200 years ago. Its artistic connection is something the arcade keeps alive with regular installations and artist collaborations including RECESS, an installation of playful sculptures by the artist Derrick Adams in association with Gagosian in 2023, and the presence of Antony Gormley’s Cinch sculpture, which has stood proudly on the north façade of the arcade since 2017.
‘Art has the power to transform spaces and elevate experiences,’ says Burlington Arcade’s commercial director Trupti Shah. ‘We are thrilled to offer our visitors this vibrant spring awakening. The use of colour enriches the shopping environment and positions Burlington Arcade as a space where luxury, art and consumer culture intermingle seamlessly.’
So, whether you’re stocking up on a delicious box of Ladurée macarons, exploring the art books at Gagosian Shop or investing in a new Globe-Trotter suitcase for your summer break, you can confidently agree with Dunbar’s assessment of London by shopping in Burlington Arcade’s uplifting meadow environment.
