Hayward Tower
Location: London (UK)
The Hayward Neon Tower sited atop the prominent elevator shaft on the South Bank’s Hayward Gallery has been a familiar landmark for Londoners since 1972. Designed by Philip Vaughan and with electronics engineered by Roger Dainton, it was commissioned by the Arts Council of Great Britain and the Greater London Council in 1970, following a search for public arts ideas to bring attention to the area. A model of the tower was originally of the Hayward Gallery´s Kinetics show curated by Professor Norbert Lynton.
Video of tower in action.
The yellow, blue, red, green and magenta which make up the tower are controlled by a dimming computer system which uses changes in wind strength, wind direction and other factors to ensure the work reflects it changing environment.
After over 30 years, the technical systems of the tower are being renovated to return the sculpture to its intended form and kinetics.
Photo courtesy of the Hayward Gallery
Photo credit: Antony Gormley
The stripped down Hayward Neon Tower awaits refurbishment under the gaze of one of Antony Gormley´s figures – Summer 2007
Photo credit: Antony Gormley
Shots of the tower that illustrate changes in wind direction and velocity.
The Hayward Gallery Neon Tower, looking up from its base on the roof of the elevator shaft. Photo courtesy of Philip Vaughan, 1972