Hi, I have a few questions about Heather Phillipson's new artwork which appears on a disused platform at Gloucester Road: 1) What was the cost/fee paid to Phillipson (or the relevant entity) for this artwork? 2) What was the total expense incurred in the installation of this artwork? 3) What will happen to the artwork after it's one year lifespan on the platform?

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Our Ref:          FOI-0616-1819

Thank you for your request received on 7 June 2018 asking for information about the art installation at Gloucester Road Station.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm we do hold the information you require.

London Underground has long been an important patron of art and design. Art on the Underground supports this tradition by commissioning some of the best British and international artists to create public artworks that can be enjoyed by the millions of customers who use the Tube every day, changing the way people experience their city.

Art on the Underground has been programming exhibitions and installations at Gloucester Road since 2000. The dis-used platform at this station sits at the heart of Art on the Underground’s internationally acclaimed programme.

In June 2018, Art on the Underground unveiled its most ambitious installation yet, my name is lettie eggsyrub, by artist Heather Phillipson. Inhabiting the full length of the dis-used platform, this work features various large-scale sculptures including two 4-metre-high 3D eggs, a huge rotating automated whisk, twelve 65” video screens and 16 printed panels alongside oversized suspended images. The installation has achieved significant press, highly positive commentary from art critics, and has been very well received by the public.

The use of this site has a huge impact on customers and it also presents technical challenges. Sitting trackside, installation of artwork materials can only take place overnight during engineering hours. All materials must meet London Underground’s safety requirements, with regard to fixings, material use and fire safety. These factors necessarily have an impact on cost. However, working at scale at this site brings significant benefit in terms of visibility.

Art on the Underground’s programme is funded within Transport for London, and receives additional corporate funding for specific projects. Across 2018, Art on the Underground’s programme is being supported by The Outnet.com.

You asked:

1) What was the cost/fee paid to Phillipson (or the relevant entity) for this artwork?

The artist Heather Phillipson was paid £12,500 as an artist’s fee for the project at Gloucester Road.

The fee was paid in stages in 2017/18 (£10,000) and 2018/19 (£2,500).

2) What was the total expense incurred in the installation of this artwork?

The total cost of the installation at Gloucester Road, inclusive of artist fee, fabrication, testing and assurance costs, installation, video screen installation, and principal contractor costs is the following:

2017/18: £162,352
2018/19: £137,272

3) What will happen to the artwork after its one year lifespan on the platform?

The artwork has been conceived as a site specific installation.

Options following de-installation are being considered, with the awareness that degradation of items following trackside exposure is anticipated.

As is standard across arts commissioning bodies, in the event of the sale of the artwork Art on the Underground would re-coup a proportion of the production costs.

If this is not the information you are looking for please feel free to contact me.

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely

Gemma Jacob
FOI Case Officer
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London

[email protected]

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