Installation of new permanent light art in Durham marks countdown to Lumiere 2023

Lumiere, the UK’s light art biennial taking place from 16^th – 19^th November 2023 is building excitement with the unveiling of a new permanent public light sculpture in Durham.

Lampounette is a super-sized homage to the iconic desk lamp that is recognised the world over. Made by French company TILT, Lampounette was first exhibited at Lumiere in 2021 and its permanent acquisition for Durham was made possible through the generous support of the Banks Community Fund.

Located between Pennyferry Bridge and Freeman’s Place, Lampounette casts a pool of soft light in this unexpected corner of Durham city, humourously transforming an area of the riverside into a warm domesticated space.

Lampounette joins four other permanent light works as an ongoing legacy of Lumiere and adds to a growing collection of public light art in Durham City, supported by the Fund and Durham County Council. These include The Next Page (2019) by Hannah Jane Walker, residents at HMP Low Newton, and Neon Workshops, UK; Heron by France-based artist Jon Voss (2017), Lightbenches by German designer Bernt Spiecker for LBO Germany (2015), and Helvetictoc (2013) by Swiss artist Tobie Langel.

Helen Marriage, Director of Artichoke producers of Lumiere, said: “It’s exciting to see be so close to unveiling this year’s edition of Lumiere. There is so much anticipation and I’m delighted we’ve able to whet the appetite with this addition to the permanent collection of light art in Durham. I’d like to thank The Banks Group for their support of this strand of Lumiere over the last decade and ensuring there is a year-round light art presence in the city”.

Mark Dowdall, Environment and Community Director at The Banks Group, said: “As a longstanding County Durham-based business, we are proud to be helping to further extend Lumiere’s local cultural legacy with the installation of Lampounette as a permanent part of the Durham City landscape. This is the fifth permanent Lumiere installation that we have supported through the Banks Community Fund and we believe they all make a positive, long-lasting contribution to both local residents’ and visitors’ enjoyment of our wonderful city.”

Councillor Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “Visitors to the last Lumiere will no doubt remember this charming installation and we’re delighted to see it return on a permanent basis. It’s the latest addition to a growing collection of public light art in the city, with each piece intriguing and enchanting in its own special way, and there for people to enjoy all year round. Its arrival is also very timely, coming as we gear up for yet another wonderful Lumiere event.”

Lumiere, the UK’s Light Art Biennial, is produced by Artichoke and commissioned and funded by Durham County Council, and made possible with additional support from Arts Council England, Durham University and a host of supporters and funders.