From the Thames to Eternity installation
Selected granite stones that form the Victoria Embankment have been strategically placed throughout the City of London as part of the From the Thames to Eternity project. This initiative aims to celebrate the role of stone in the city’s development and stimulate discussions on material reuse and the circular economy in the built environment.
Spanning from the Thames to St Paul’s and Smithfield Market, the 58 granite stones, each weighing approximately one tonne, have been arranged to serve as wayfinding markers, resting areas, and spaces for reflection on their historical significance. From the Thames to Eternity is a temporary stone reuse project conceived by Matthew Barnett Howland and Oliver Wilton from University College London and CSK Architects. The project advocates for the circular economy by promoting the reuse of materials, such as these granite blocks, to combat waste, pollution, and climate change.
At each installation site, information boards made of reclaimed oak provide background details about the project, maps for orientation, and directions to the seven sites, encouraging visitors to explore the trail on foot.
Graham Packham, Chairman of the City of London’s Streets and Walkways Committee, commended the Thames to Eternity project as a remarkable initiative that combines the city’s commitment to fostering a thriving arts and culture scene with its sustainability goals of becoming a net-zero city by 2040. Packham encourages everyone to visit the installations, highlighting the unique character acquired by the weathered stones over 150 years, which adds an extra layer of historical significance to their cultural heritage.
From the Thames to Eternity: the value of natural history and cultural heritage
Matthew Barnett Howland and Oliver Wilton from University College London express that these granite stones, sourced from the Thames River wall, hold great value as pieces of natural history and cultural heritage. By showcasing them throughout the City of London, they aim to draw attention to the long-standing tradition of stone reuse and stimulate conversations about the necessity of transitioning to a more circular model in general.
London, a city built upon clay and gravel, has always cherished stone as a precious commodity. The City of London stands as a testament to the historical significance of this material, with diverse and intricate stone architecture dating back to Roman times.
The stones used in the project were quarried in the 19th century, primarily in Cornwall and Scotland, for the construction of Joseph Bazalgette’s Thames River wall at Victoria Embankment. These stones have been relocated due to the construction of the new Thames Tideway Tunnel and will be temporarily installed across the City before being repurposed in future urban realm projects. Westminster City Council generously gifted the stones for the project, facilitated by Tideway, prepared by CED Stone Group, and installed on-site by FM Conway, the City Corporation’s term contractor.
For more information about the project, you can visit the From the Thames to Eternity installation website provided by the City of London.
