London SE1 community website

Tracey Emin flag unveiled on South Bank

London SE1 website team

A flag designed by Tracey Emin has been raised on the giant flagpole in Jubilee Gardens.

Tracey Emin flag unveiled on South Bank
Tracey Emin on the South Bank
Tracey Emin on the South Bank

"It is a flag which is personal to me" declared the artist and former Waterloo resident who was present to see the flag hauled up above the crowd. There were cheers as the wind revealed the words ONE SECRET TO SAVE EVERYTHING.

"Everything in life is worth something even the most painful experiences" said Tracey Emin. "From every mistake I make I try to save something good out of it."

She revealed that she was under huge pressure preparing for the Venice Biennale and coming to Jubilee Gardens was a big day out for her. Looking at the large lawn she said: "What I would like is in the summer everyone on this grass making love. That would make me really happy."

Emin's design replaces White Flag at Half Mast by Yinka Shonibare which was the first in a new series of commissions for the Jubilee Flagpole.

The Forest Industry of British Columbia originally erected the Jubilee Flagpole for the 1951 Festival of Britain. It was re-erected by the provincial government of British Columbia in 1977 to mark the Queen's Jubilee in the newly created Jubilee Gardens.

The SE1 website is supported by people like you
We are part of
Independent Community News Network
Email newsletter

For the latest local news and events direct to your inbox every Monday, you need our weekly email newsletter SE1 Direct.

Archive
News archive from February 1999 to January 2001
Got a story for us?
Contact us with your tip-offs and story ideas.