From being a maintenance depot and storage unit in the 19th century for buoys used along the Thames, to an area for arts and culture activities today,
Trinity Buoy Wharf has quite a history.
Situated on the Thames, just across from the O2 Arena, it's also the spot where London's only lighthouse stands. Built in 1864 by Trinity House (the British lighthouse authority), it was used mainly for testing and experimentation for Trinity House's other lighthouses around the country. It was also used to train lighthouse keepers.
In 1998 Urban Space Management took over the area and brought it back to life after a period of decline, making it popular with creative businesses and artists.
There's plenty going on there – for example, today the lighthouse is being used as a listening post for a musical composition that's set to play, without repetition, for a thousand years. Yes, a thousand.
Longplayer, which is performed "mostly by computers", started in 1999 so, all being well, will finish up in 2999. So go along and have a listen when you have a chance – just be sure to get there before the year 3000 or else you'll miss it.
Trinity Buoy Wharf is also home to galleries, art studios, offices,
Fatboy's Diner, a cafe, London's longest pier (constructed from recycled materials), and one of London's smallest museums, The Faraday Effect. The Faraday Effect tells the story of Michael Faraday, a scientist based at the wharf in the mid-19th century who worked tirelessly to improve the workings of lighthouses.
You'll also see
Container City at the wharf. Looking a bit like some randomly put-together lego blocks, Container City comprises a stack of shipping containers that have been converted into commercial premises (the cafe is in one of them) and affordable accommodation. The concept has proved so popular that you can now find a fair few of these modular systems at various places throughout the capital.
You'll also see The Ascenda 1997, an eight-metre high steel and light sculpture created by artist
Martin Richman, as well as
a variety of work by sculptor Andrew Baldwin.
The area also hosts special events through the year; just check
the special page on Trinity Buoy Wharf's website to see what's coming up.
It's a great spot for an afternoon out of the city centre – perhaps have lunch at the cafe or diner before taking a look around.
