This summer, Bankside Hotel invites visitors to experience art in the making as contemporary artist Imogen Morris returns for her second Artist in Residence programme, transforming the hotel’s Art Yard Makers Studio into a live creative space where new artworks take shape before visitors’ eyes. Imogen is a Birmingham-based artist renowned for her intricate nail-and-thread portraits, reimagining the traditional craft of hand embroidery through a contemporary geometric style.
Returning in partnership with Contemporary Collective for her second residency, Imogen is creating an exclusive new collection inspired by the iconic architecture surrounding the hotel. Throughout the residency, visitors can watch the artist at work as she transforms London’s best-loved landmarks—including St Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben and the OXO Tower—into intricate contemporary artworks using her distinctive nail-and-thread technique.
Drawing inspiration from the South Bank’s rich cultural landscape, each artwork is meticulously handcrafted, with layers of thread wrapped around carefully placed nails to create striking geometric compositions full of depth, texture and light.
Where Art Meets Mixology: Wrapping Threads, a Limited-Edition Cocktail
To coincide with the residency, Bankside Hotel has created Wrapping Threads, a limited-edition signature cocktail inspired by Imogen’s the latest collection and her distinctive nail-and-thread artistry.
Served at Art Yard Bar & Kitchen, which has just opened its outdoor piazza for al fresco summer dining, the cocktail celebrates the residency through colour and flavour, blending delicate floral notes with a bright, refreshing sour finish for a beautifully balanced serve. Finished with a striking structural sugar garnish, the cocktail mirrors the geometric lines and layered construction that define Imogen’s work, creating a visual connection between the cocktail and the artwork that inspired it.
Just steps from the Makers Studio, guests can enjoy Wrapping Threads before or after watching Imogen at work, extending the artistic experience from gallery to glass.
Perfect for a summer day on the South Bank, Bankside Hotel offers visitors the unique opportunity to step inside a working artist’s studio before enjoying a cocktail inspired by the very artworks being created.
Wrapping Threads | £17
Avallen Calvados, Falernum, Passion Fruit Syrup, Citrus, Foamer, Bitters
Available from 15th July – 20th September