Serenity sculpture launch

The ‘Serenity’ sculpture at Hyde Park is a three-metre bronze statue of an Ibis bird by sculptor Simon Gudgeon. When it was launched it was the first public sculpture to be unveiled at the site in 50 years. The event was marked with a press launch and party by the Royal Parks Foundation.

Requirement

The client needed a temporary venue that was flexible enough to house the daytime launch and press conference, then transform into an impressive venue for an evening function.

The site chosen for the sculpture did not have enough space for a temporary structure, so a floating pontoon was needed to build the structure on top of, allowing it to ‘float’ over the lake.

Challenges

Unfortunately, two days before the event the original event structure supplier decided they could no longer supply this event. The client got in touch with GL events UK and work began in earnest to satisfy the client’s requirements at short notice and with incredibly tight deadlines.

The project required a great deal of care and structural expertise. Work was done to ensure the pontoon and event structure would stay in place, whilst not overburdening the pontoon in any one area.

Access to the site was restricted and no vehicles or machinery were allowed close to the location of the event. The team overcame this by building the pontoon on the far side of the lake, then the temporary structure was carefully constructed on top of it. Next, both the pontoon and structure were floated across the lake into position. The gables and panels were only fitted once it had made its journey across the lake, to reduce the ‘sail effect’ that may have been encountered.

Structure supplied

The venue was created using a 15m x 25m Absolute structure with an Eclipse curved roof. It was fully kitted out with a stylish light grey carpet and contemporary tables, benches and stools. Full height glazed windows and doors on all sides provided spectacular views across the lake and white voile curtains added a softness to the light streaming in.

Outcome

The Royal Parks Foundation feared they may have to postpone the event but, after a conversation with GL events UK, their faith was restored and the team leapt to the rescue.

With short timescales, a loose brief and what should have been far more than two-days of work, the project was delivered to and turned a hugely complicated concept into a reality.

Thanks to the skills and expertise of the dedicated and hard-working teams at GL events UK, this challenge was pulled off on time and within budget. The on-site team’s problem-solving skills ensured the structure stayed firmly in place and formed a floating venue that was unique, stunning and unforgettable.

Prior to 2015, the ‘Serenity’ sculpture was named ‘Isis’.