Tuesday 8 August: Heart of London Business Alliance’s award-winning cultural initiative, ‘Art of London Presents Take A Moment 2023’ officially opened this morning on the Piccadilly Lights. Announcing a series of photography exhibitions across the West End, over 300 famous faces with their eyes closed act as a powerful reminder for people to take care of their mental health.

Captured by photographer Ray Burmiston, the photographs include new portraits of A-listers including Brian Cox, Fatboy Slim, Louis Theroux, Brian May and Roger Taylor from Queen, Hannah Waddingham, Ellie Simmonds, Warwick Davis, Ashley Banjo, Noel Fielding, Olly Murs, Ruth Wilson, Aisling Bea, Eddie Izzard, Yungblud, Damien Lewis, Emily Atack, Milly Alcock, Peter and Junior Andre, and Oti Mabuse.

To become involved, members of the public can send a selfie for the chance to be part of the art alongside stars on the Piccadilly Lights and in the National Portrait Gallery.

Art of London Presents Take A Moment 2023 is one of several planned activations for cultural initiative Art of London’s Summer Season, which aims to celebrate art in all its forms across the creative West End district. Landsec, which owns the Piccadilly Lights, is donating the screen time in support of the campaign.

Art of London’s handy online guides, filled with world-class art galleries, theatres, museums, institutions and pop-ups to explore in the West End, including from Art of London partner Fujifilm UK, highlights other cultural destinations to visit for a moment of reflection.

Mark Williams, Director of Art of London, said: “We’re delighted to bring back this important mental health campaign and, at the same time, enhance the amount of art in the West End. I hope Art of London Presents Take A Moment 2023 inspires West End visitors to pause and close their eyes in some of the city’s most iconic locations, as shown by Ray Burmiston’s stunning portfolio of star-studded portraits.” 

For further information, please visit Art of London

Watch the full screening here.