London may be full of gorgeous public art, but did you know there’s a collection of stunning examples that takes their inspiration directly from William Shakespeare? Over at The Stage in Shoreditch, you can check out a set of window displays that nod to the Bard’s rich literary tradition.
Winter’s Ethereal Glow popped up at the landmark development last year. Each window boasts its own intricate techniques and draws inspiration from Shakespeare’s A Winter’s Tale. Originally thought up as an alternative kind of Christmassy installation, it has since remained in place to show off the artistic creativity and champion public displays.
Winter’s Ethereal Glow
The works inspired by the words for the play penned in 1623 nod to the anticipated opening of the Shakespeare immersive museum set to open (hopefully) in 2025, which is set between the archaeological ruins of the Curtain Playhouse at The Stage.
Passers-by will be struck by the silhouette technique of the first window, which features cutouts and dramatic lighting, while the central window shows wooden panels with colourful perspex and reflective material to conjure a stained glass effect that features designs of different parts of the play.
Winter’s Ethereal Glow comes in conjunction with Global Street Art, Europe’s leading mural-painting organisation that brings together a network of thousands of artists who have created more than 3,000 pure art walls across the UK alone since 2012. It marks their second collaboration with The Stage, after a mural by Sophie Mess was unveiled at the London Mural Festival in September.
‘Winter’s Ethereal Glow’ can be viewed at The Stage, 22 Hewett Street, EC2A 3NL (nearest stations are Shoreditch High Street and Old Street). The installations can be seen by the public.