Ian Rayer-Smith artwork installation at Park Hyatt London River Thames hotel. (2024)
Large-Scale Artwork Installation at Park Hyatt London: Ian Rayer-Smith’s Lobby Feature
Project Overview: Art Installation in a Luxury Hotel Lobby
In early 2024, Seido Art Services was commissioned by Harten Frameworks and Debut Studio to install a large-scale artwork by renowned artist Ian Rayer-Smith. The piece, created for the entry lobby of the newly opened Park Hyatt London River Thames hotel in Vauxhall, forms a key visual feature of the space and enhances the luxury hotel interior with bold scale and artistic presence.
The Artwork and Installation Challenges
Installing this extra-large artwork presented several technical challenges. Measuring over 4.5 metres tall and 3 metres wide, the piece was paired with an oversized bespoke frame designed to fit over the installed work. Both the dimensions and weight required meticulous planning and careful coordination.
To protect the hotel’s marble tile flooring during installation, the work area was fully boarded with 18mm OSB panels, allowing safe operation of mobile access tower scaffolding and a Genie SLA-15 material lift.
When working in luxury hotel environments, additional precautions are required. Bespoke finishes demand careful handling of materials and equipment, using protective solutions like corex flooring covers, foam padding, and blanket barriers to prevent scratches or damage during installation.
Installation Process: Precision Large-Scale Artwork Handling
Drilling and Fixing Artwork Brackets
The installation of the artwork and frame brackets required precise drilling through natural stone wall tiles to secure the plywood support behind. Accuracy was essential to protect high-end surfaces while ensuring a secure and stable fixing. Measurements were double- and triple-checked to guarantee precision, critical when working with large-scale installations in premium architectural settings.
Team Coordination for Safe Installation
The artwork was installed by a team of four Seido installers: two managed the lift from the floor, while two positioned and aligned the piece onto its brackets at height.
Bespoke Frame Installation
The bespoke frame, assembled on-site by Harten Frameworks, presented additional logistical challenges. Weighing over 120kg, the frame was carefully manoeuvred on protective blankets using control straps and lifted into place with the material lift. Installers were positioned at each corner on the floor and scaffolding, to maintain precise control and ensure the frame was safely aligned.
Project Outcome: Iconic Art in a Luxury Hotel Lobby
The completed installation resulted in a striking permanent artwork that anchors the Park Hyatt lobby with scale and presence. Directed by Debut Studio, the project demonstrates the importance of collaboration, technical precision, and careful handling in large-scale artwork installations.
This ambitious project highlights Seido Art Services’ expertise in delivering professional art installation services for high-profile public spaces, blending art conservation practices with luxury hotel interiors.
