- New course launches Tuesday 17th May and is open daily from 12noon-6pm
- Course designed by internationally renowned art duo
- Free to play, an activity that’s perfect for all ages
London’s only free minigolf* is back for another season at Canary Wharf, just in time for summer. The colourful course has been designed by international artists Craig & Karl who have transformed Montgomery Square with their signature fun, bold and vibrant style.
The 9-hole minigolf course opens on Tuesday 17th May and is free to play from 12-6pm daily, welcoming families, friends and colleagues to take part in some exciting, healthy competition. Once a month the course will also open for evening play, ideal for an after-work game and available on 26th May, 23rd June, 18th August and 22nd September.
Craig Redman & Karl Maier, best known for their bold and playful style, designed the picture-perfect course with vibrant, joyful colours throughout and something new to see at every turn.
Designed to stand out even on grey days, the artistic concepts of the obstacles, balls and scorecards have been treated with graphic patterns from citric polka dots, and thick stripes to bright geometrical shapes.
Features include a neon orange jump ramp, pink and yellow chequered bridge and pop art style dotted obstacles. When viewed from above or from neighbouring buildings the course reveals a symmetrical design.
The artistic duo, who work collaboratively every day despite being based in New York and London respectively, met in Australia during their first year of college. Their incredible talent has led to commissions from global brands such as Adidas, Google and exhibitions at the Musée de la Publicité, Onassis Cultural Centre and Museum of Contemporary Art.
Karl Maier, of Craig & Karl, said: “We hope our design brings a sense of surprise and delight and ultimately enhances the experience of playing the course. The element of surprise is one of things we love about creating work for public spaces – encountering something in an unexpected context can make it quite powerful.”
Lucie Moore, Associate Director – Arts and Events at Canary Wharf, comments: “We’re delighted to have worked with Craig & Karl to welcome this year’s minigolf course at Canary Wharf in time for summer. Craig & Karl have a unique, vibrant and joyful style which will bring even more colour to the estate and is a wonderful addition to our ever-growing collection of artworks which can be explored by foot.”
The vibrant course joins Canary Wharf’s growing portfolio of free to enjoy events and artworks including London’s largest collection of outdoor public art, where 110 pieces can be found dotted around the Estate. When heading to the Crossrail Place Roof Garden visitors will walk the Adam’s Plaza Bridge where visitors will find Camille Walala: Captivated by Colour, and those heading to nearby Bank Street Park will find Yinka Ilori’s colourful basketful court, while the various parks play host to a range of impressive metalworks by Helaine Blumenfeld OBE.
Guests looking for a bite to eat can head to one of hundreds of bars, restaurants and cafés, including Wahaca, Caravan, Hawksmoor and Six by Nico, as well as the culturally diverse offerings at Atrium Kitchen in Cabot Place.
Click here to find out more about Canary Wharf’s Minigolf
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Press Office
Canary Wharf Group plc
T: 020 7418 2166
E: pressoffice@canarywharf.com
Notes to Editors
*Only free minigolf course for adults and children. Coal Drops Yard course allows under 12s to play free
Q&A with Craig & Karl:
- How did you two meet and start collaborating?
We met back in Australia in our first semester of art college, studying graphic design. A lecturer put us together for one of our first university projects. We hit it off, became friends, and continued to work together as often as possible. The rest is history.
- How do you find it working together but based on different sides of the Atlantic?
It works for us but knowing each other and working together for so long has undoubtedly helped. We love that we get to participate in two cities and cultures and bring those individual experiences to our collaboration. We each get to have an independent and interdependent relationship simultaneously, which as artists, is pretty great.
- What has been your favourite project to date?
It isn’t easy to choose. What we like the most is the breadth of work that we’ve had the opportunity to do. We’ve delved into sculpture, installation, and product design from our beginnings in design and illustration. Jumping between all these things and honing our approach keeps us engaged and excited.
- How would you describe your style?
We see our work as bold and direct, often with simple messages executed thoughtfully and humorously. Studying design led us towards a more graphic and reductive approach to making artwork. And we try to insert our signature elements into all our work, things like black outlines, bright colours and geometric patterns – those are the factors that give our work the ‘Craig & Karl’ look.
- What is the inspiration behind your project in Canary Wharf?
Mini-golf is pure joy and novelty, so we wanted to keep those aspects but approach it more design-oriented. So, the obstacles are conceived as minimal, pop sculptures and the surfaces treated with graphic patterns. We want it to be fun but sophisticated too.
- Being in a public space, how do you want your art to make people feel?
With this project, we hope it brings a sense of surprise and delight and ultimately enhances the experience of playing the course. The element of surprise is one of the things we love about creating work for public spaces – encountering something in an unexpected context can make it quite powerful.
- What do you find special about Canary Wharf as a project backdrop?
Perhaps precisely that. As a place most frequently associated with business, it’s maybe an unexpected backdrop for something some might suggest is comparatively frivolous, although not us. The coexistence of these two seemingly disparate worlds is quite special, though.
About Canary Wharf Group:
Canary Wharf Group (CWG) is the developer of the largest urban regeneration project in Europe. CWG develops, manages and currently owns interests in approximately 9 million square feet of mixed-use space and over 1,100 Build to Rent apartments.
CWG is the largest sustainable developer in the UK and also excels operationally as it purchases 100% electricity from renewable sources since 2012 and zero waste to landfill since 2009.
CWG has created a 24/7 city where people can live, work and thrive on the Canary Wharf estate and enjoy all the benefits: great transport links, access to green spaces and waterside living; and a wide range of amenities including an award-winning arts and events programme. Canary Wharf’s retail offering comprises over 300 shops, including grocery stores, pharmacies, health clubs, bars and restaurants, all within 15 minutes’ walk.
The Company’s current £2bn construction activity and pipeline includes more than 500k sq ft NIA of commercial properties and over 2,300 new homes for sale and rent.
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