Welcome
Welcome to Our River, a new public art concept for Luton.
“The pandemic has impacted us in a broad range of ways. Many of us have lost loved ones, suffered financial hardship or accomplished extraordinary feats working in our hospitals, schools and other essential services. But we have also experienced some special moments; we have come together as a community, spent more time with our children at home, and brightened each other’s lives with window art and neighbourhood activities.
Our River will capture and commemorate these moments, immortalising those lost and celebrating what we have overcome. It will also bring art to our town centre, brightening our lives and bringing us joy as we return to working, shopping and socialising in town.
We encourage people to get involved and support this poignant project which will make a real difference to our town.’’
Cllr Hazel Simmons MBE
Leader of Luton Council
The Project
Our River is a new public art concept for Luton which will commemorate those lost to the COVID-19 pandemic and celebrate the key workers that supported us and the moments of joy that got us through it.
A giant mosaic featuring thousands of images of Luton residents will be erected in the centre of town. Located on the Mall wall facing the new Open Lea pocket park, Our River will provide a place for reflection, remembrance and hope and brighten the lives of everyone in our town. The artwork will also exist digitally, enabling loved ones across the world to view it and providing a home for our memories and messages of remembrance.
Anyone who has been affected by the pandemic was invited to co-create the mosaic with us. We welcomed photographs of people that have lost their lives during the pandemic, of the families they have left behind, of our key workers and of the joyous moments that defined 2020 – such as the uplifting drawings of rainbows that we placed in our windows. We engaged deeply with the communities of Luton to honour residents’ memories and capture the joy that those lost brought to our lives.
Luton
Open Lea Park
Zoom in
Zoom in and explore the giant photo mosaic online. Can you find your photo?
Photo Stories
Every image tells a story.
Click here to visit our online photo gallery.
Contact Us
For any queries, please click here to speak with a member of our team.