The Painted Picnic
June 10 - September 14, 2025 | 1 Ropemaker Street, London, United Kingdom
A Summer Pavilion by John Booth
A vibrant, larger-than-life installation transforming Citypoint into a colourful retreat for relaxation, interaction, and creativity. Inspired by the London Festival of Architecture 2025 theme, “Voices”, John Booth’s bold still-life composition features hand-painted figures, oversized fruit, and abstract landscapes.
At its heart, a towering figure sits at a table, surrounded by everyday objects, reimagining urban life through art. Beneath this towering figure, the table transforms into a pavilion, unfolding into a second, playful setting filled with objects inspired by office desks and everyday lunches - fruit, sandwiches, and the familiar detritus of urban life.
Visitors can explore and interact with these objects, navigating a giant still-life scene, where furniture becomes both sculpture and seating. The installation has a dollhouse-like aesthetic, resembling a stage set - some elements appear moveable, yet remain fixed, creating a whimsical tension between reality and illusion.
Originally conceived as a cardboard model in Booth’s studio, the pavilion has evolved into an immersive, theatrical environment.
Throughout Summer 2025, the pavilion will host curated events, live music, and public gatherings, sparking conversation and creativity in the heart of the city: Summer Sounds Busking (Every Wednesday | 12 - 2 PM) & The Summer Sounds Music Festival (30 June - 3 July): https://www.brookfieldproperties.com/en/our-approach/events/2025/06/03/summer-sounds-music-festival/.
Instagram for the artist: john_booth