Bankside Gallery installs exhibition on Blackfriars Bridge

A 246-metre-long hoarding was installed on Blackfriars Bridge in June when the eastern pavement was closed to pedestrians as part of the Thameslink Programme works to rebuild and extend Blackfriars Station.

"We are delighted to be working with Network Rail on this exciting project," says Angela Parker of Bankside Gallery. "These colourful paintings and prints by renowned Royal Society artists should brighten everybody's day."

At the northern end of the bridge pedestrians, drivers and bus passengers can see Gail Brodholt's 'First Light at Farringdon'. To the south is 'Blackfriars' by Royal Watercolour Society president David Paskett and Mychael Barratt's 'Shakespeare in Love'

Oil and digital artist John Duffin, originally from Barrow and now living in Lewisham, was commissioned by Network Rail to produce a depiction of the new Blackfriars Station which will span the Thames with entrances in the City and Bankside.

"It is an exciting use of what would otherwise be dead space and we believe will not only brighten up the area, but will give the featured artists a unique opportunity to showcase their talent to a broader audience in high-profile location," says a Network Rail spokesman.

The exhibition on the bridge has won the backing of shadow arts minister Ed Vaizey MP who said: "I'm delighted to support this initiative. It is great that a company like Network Rail is supporting the arts in this way, and understands the importance of involving the arts in their project."

From next week the Thames Path at the southern end of Blackfriars Railway Bridge will be closed to pedestrians for at least two years whilst work on the new station is carried out.

• Original images by the four artists will be on display at Bankside Gallery.