There is a truly unique piece of public art, within the City of London, that connects the modern buildings with the ancient history of London. The piece is entitled 'Forgotten Streams' and was created by Cristina Iglesias.
When Bloomberg commissioned their new European Headquarters to be built, they also commissioned Cristina Iglesias, a Spanish artist, to create a piece of public art at the entrances to what would become the Bloomberg Arcade.
Her work would take inspiration from one of London's 'lost' rivers... The Walbrook.
'Forgotten Streams' is made of cast bronze in the shape of riverbeds, marshy banks and tree roots. Water flows, from hidden spouts, gently across and beneath the tangled landscape, all contained within granite boundaries.
The piece begins at the northeast entrance to the Bloomberg Arcade, with two pieces separated by a walkway. It then disappears below the new building, emerging at the southeast entrance, where a larger piece can be found, with plenty of seating.
It has been created as though a piece of the pavement has been removed, so that the River Walbrook can breathe again.
The River Walbrook had been an important place for commerce and religion from London's inception under the Romans which continued well into the Victorian era. It was during this period that the river was paved over and 'lost'.
The River Walbrook was also, supposedly, a dividing line between the Britons, who lived on Cornhill to the east, and the Saxons, who lived on Ludgate Hill to the west.
Although not on the true course of the River Walbrook, 'Forgotten Streams' is quite close.
Cristina Iglesias was born in San Sebastian, Spain, in 1956.
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