The London United souvenir edition of ES Magazine features six covers created by six prominent artists – Ai Weiwei, Wolfgang Tillmans, Anish Kapoor, Gillian Wearing, Antony Gormley and Jamie Hewlett – which will be given out across the city for the public to take their pick.
Gillian Wearing’s ambitious idea for her cover was to capture 52 Londoners, standing for a minute’s silence to commemorate the 52 people who lost their lives in the 7/ 7 terrorist attacks. She says: “Silence brings everyone together in universal participation.”
Wolfgang Tillmans was travelling home on the Tube when inspiration struck. The image you see on his cover, bearing the powerful words ‘London, Light, Hope’, was taken in that very moment. Anish Kapoor’s contribution powerfully conveys optimistic sensibility. He says: “We grieve together and then we know, together we must glow.” Antony Gormley’s cover was inspired by his reflections on how “resilience and common sympathy occurs with every precious existence,” and how “the liquidity of consciousness gives immediate access to joy and trauma.” Jamie Hewlett came up with his almighty, rousing concept in 24 hours. He says, “The way people pull together is a multicoloured show of strength.” Ai Weiwei submitted an excerpt from a newly released piece from Odyssey, which was recently shown in Jerusalem.
The issue also pays tribute to individuals who became heroes when terror struck, and highlights first-hand the incredible stories of courage and bravery that emerged. It includes a member of the public who housed victims of the Grenfell fire, and an off-duty doctor who left his home to help victims of the London Bridge attack.
Elsewhere, a shoot with photographer Charlie Kwai as he documents acts of kindness in the capital; Ben Machell writes about London’s enduring spirit, and what makes this city so special to everyone who lives there, and Grace Dent returns to El Pastor, the restaurant in the heart of Borough that was tragically caught up in the terrorist attack.
The My London slot features Roy ‘Lion of London Bridge’ Larner, the Millwall fan who single-handedly took on three knife-wielding jihadists on the night of the Borough attacks.
Editor Laura Weir said: “With this London United Collector’s Edition of ES Magazine and its six unique covers, I wanted to pay tribute to the capital’s resilience in the face of recent tragedies. This issue is designed to spread a message of hope and respect, and to create an enduring platform that will keep these stories alive.”
