Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus Public Conveniences – A Fresh Chapter in the Westminster Notes Series

Commissioned by the City of Westminster, 2025
Artwork: “Westminster Notes” by James Lambert
Photography: James Gifford-Mead

We are proud to have supplied the ceramic tiling for the Piccadilly Circus Public Conveniences, the third location in the City of Westminster’s ambitious programme to refurbish public facilities across central London. This project demonstrates how carefully specified ceramic materials, combined with artistic collaboration and technical expertise, can transform a purely functional environment into a memorable civic space.

Central to the scheme is Westminster Notes, a series of bespoke artworks by artist James Lambert, whose bold graphic approach brings energy, storytelling and local references into each location. The artwork is realised through digitally printed ceramic tile overlays, produced by Digital Ceramics and integrated seamlessly into the wider tiling package.

Lambert was commissioned to create designs that respond directly to the character of each site. At Piccadilly Circus, his work reflects the area’s reputation for spectacle, entertainment and human connection, drawing inspiration from Anteros — the figure atop the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, often mistaken for Eros. References to wings and arrow forms appear throughout the composition, symbolising movement, attraction and encounter within this globally recognised meeting point.

Flowing linear motifs travel across the tiled surfaces like currents of energy, suggesting rhythm, music and performance while also referencing nearby Art Deco detailing. These graphic lines work in harmony with the architectural geometry of the space, reinforcing movement through the underpass and echoing the constant flow of visitors above ground.

Additional motifs reference the rich entertainment heritage of Piccadilly Circus. Visual cues drawn from theatres, cinemas and music halls celebrate the district’s long association with performance culture, while pixel-like dot patterns reference the famous illuminated advertising screens that have defined the area’s visual identity for generations.

Decorative metallic accents introduce moments of contrast and refinement within the scheme, recalling the richness of historic theatre interiors and adding another layer of visual interest within the predominantly glazed ceramic environment.

From a material perspective, the project highlights the versatility and durability of glazed ceramic tiles in high-traffic public environments. The deep blue field tiles provide both visual impact and practical longevity, while the integration of custom printed decorative elements demonstrates how ceramic surfaces can successfully combine performance with storytelling.

Careful coordination between the design team, artists, tile manufacturers and specialist decorators ensured the final installation achieved both the aesthetic ambition and the technical robustness required for a heavily used public facility.

As with the earlier installations at Victoria Embankment and Parliament Street, this project demonstrates how collaboration between architects, artists and specialist tile suppliers can elevate essential public infrastructure through material quality and thoughtful detailing.

The Piccadilly Circus scheme stands as a strong example of how ceramic tiles continue to play a vital role in contemporary public architecture — offering longevity, clarity of design, and the ability to incorporate bespoke artistic expression within demanding environments.

James Lambert Video

The making of Westminster Notes is a short video commissioned by the City of Westminster. It shows the behind-the-scenes of artist James Lambert working on the art for Victoria Embankment, the first of eight public conveniences to be refurbished and include artwork by James Lambert.