A new artwork has been officially unveiled at the corner of Guildford Street to help Lutonians reconnect with the River Lea that runs under our streets, as part of a plan to improve neglected spots in the town centre.
A new artwork called ‘A River Runs Under Your Feet’ by local artist Abi Spendlove is now displayed proudly at the corner of where the road meets Church Street, on the side of Italian restaurant L’Artista Ristorante.
A billboard showcases a photograph taken by Spendlove at the source of the River Lea in Leagrave, while the area around it, which had previously been run down and used for advertising, has been spruced up with new picnic benches.
The artwork – which was voted for by Lutonians and is commissioned by Luton Council and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund – is also a chance to learn the river’s rich heritage and ecology. Further regeneration work will also unearth the previously culverted river as part of Luton Town Football Club’s Power Court stadium complex, just a short walk from Guildford Street.
A QR code on the corner of the piece can be scanned for you to find the Luton’s River Lea and Chalk Hills YouTube channel.
“The significance of having a photo of the River Lea here on Guildford Street is that the river itself runs underground right here,” said Spendlove.
“One of the reasons I’ve championed the River Lea in this picture is to highlight the fact that it is here, but also that myself and other people in the town really want the river to be seen.
“So we want bring the river into the consciousness of people who live in the town, people who visit the town. We want to celebrate the river, we want to promote the river and we want to clean up the river.
“To be bringing more art into our public spaces feels like an important thing to do and I’m just absolutely thrilled to be someone who’s able to do that.”
Also part of the project is the emerging art deco facade at the old ABC Cinema on George Street.
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