Millenium Bridge
The Millennium Bridge, officially known as the London Millennium Footbridge, is a steel suspension bridge for pedestrians crossing the River Thames in London, linking Bankside with the City of London. It is located between Southwark Bridge and Blackfriars Railway Bridge. It is owned and maintained by Bridge House Estates, a charitable trust overseen by the City of London Corporation. Construction began in 1998 and it initially opened in June 2000 at a cost of £18.2M.
Londoners nicknamed the bridge the "Wobbly Bridge" after pedestrians felt unexpected swaying motion. The bridge was closed later on opening day and, after two days of limited access, it was closed for almost two years while modifications were made to eliminate the motion. It reopened in 2002.
The bridge alignment is such that a clear view of St Paul's south façade is presented from across the river, framed by the bridge supports.
Painted Gum.
If you happen to walk across the bridge yourself, look down, and you will find an art gallery, in the form of over 400 painted pieces of discarded gum.
It is the work of a Mr. Ben Wilson (a.k.a. the Chewing Gum man). He has perfected a technique using a blowtorch and layers of acrylic paint and lacquer to make tiny, pieces of art at our feet.
The public engage with the gum-paintings once spotted, both in their completed state and sometimes as they are being made, interacting with the artist who takes requests by adding names, dates and symbols important to an interested stranger. Now the casual walker, having spotted the first glimmering gum, suddenly becomes a painted chewing gum hunter, scanning the ground for more.
Coordinates: 51.509918 -0.098525751
