Tower Bridge is being reimagined to celebrate its 125th birthday

We can all agree that Tower Bridge looks pretty damn good for 125. Fact.

And it seems famed sound artist, inventor and filmmaker Di Mainstone agrees since she's agreed to ring in the landmark's festivities by creating a film that presents it as a larger-than-life musical instrument. 

The film, Time Bascule, retells the story of one of the Bridge's first female workers (Hannah) and will be played alongside an eclectic exhibition in the venue's Victorian Engine Rooms.  

To truly mark the occasion, the exhibition, called Making the Bridge Sing, will be a truly immersive experience in which guests will get to see behind the scenes footage of the film being made, storyboards and early sketches, as well as being given the chance to play a range of specially created musical instruments, all housed among the cultivated plants at the heart of Hannah’s story. 

On her latest work, Di Mainstone said: “I wanted visitors to view the Bridge in a different way, reimagining the iconic crossing as a giant musical instrument to hear the historic song at the heart of its 125-year history. I was determined to give visitors a greater insight into the story of Hannah Griggs – it was inspiring to meet her descendants, and bring her personal history to life in such a wonderful location.

“The film takes a look at the wider discussion around climate change, utilising the Bascule mechanism of the Bridge as a metaphor for balance, harmony and the delicate balance of our ecosystem”.

Giving his verdict, Chris Earlie, head of Tower Bridge, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome artist Di Mainstone to reimagine one of the enduring human stories behind London’s defining landmark. We’re excited to showcase the fascinating visual and sonic work Di has crafted as part of her specially commissioned piece, welcoming visitors to explore the Bridge in a truly different light. The exhibition kick-starts another exciting year for the Bridge, further establishing Tower Bridge as a cross-genre cultural space in the capital.”

Three cheers for you know who.