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The
London Eye - the Giant Observation Wheel,
became operational in January 2000. Standing
proud in London’s Jubilee Gardens, on the
South Bank of the River Thames the British
Airways’ London Eye, is a focal point of the
Nation’s celebration of the New Century. The
Wheel is the largest of its kind ever to be
built, at a height of 135m (450feet) and 1600
tonnes, it is a new landmark for London, to
mark the new Millennium. |
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People of all ages from around the country are making special
journeys to see this new and exciting giant Wheel and to participate
in the excitement of being transported high above London.
Visitors to London from abroad, are delighted by this new
and novel way of seeing the city from a birds eye view.
As the Wheel is set in motion, you will feel a keen sense
of anticipation. The higher it soars, the more celebratory
the experience becomes, as you enjoy the breathtaking views
from the heart of the city.
Well-known landmarks and buildings of central London are
spread out in a great panorama before you; it is fun to see
how many you can identify. Some to look out for are; The Imperial
War Museum; The Globe Theatre; The Oval Cricket Ground; The
Tate Gallery; Westminster Abbey; The Houses of Parliament
and Big Ben; The Tower of London; St. Paul’s Cathedral; The
National Portrait Gallery; Buckingham Palace; The British
Museum; The Telecommunications Tower.
The architects of the London Eye are husband and wife team,
Julia Barfield and David Marks, winners of the competition
for ideas to mark the Millennium, their design was considered
to be the most imaginative project conceived.
David and Julia wanted to present not just a monument, but
something celebratory, that people could participate in and
enjoy. David researched and developed the idea for a giant
observation wheel and Julia found the ideal site by drawing
a circle round London and finding the dead centre, Jubilee
Gardens on the South Bank.
An observation wheel was built for Chicago’s Worlds Columbian
Exposition in 1893, it became known as the Ferris wheel, after
the designer whose name has been synonymous with these wheels
ever since. Observation or Ferris wheels, have been included
at many of the great expositions throughout the world, and
are considered to be traditional structures at great occasions
of celebration. David and Julia thought of the wheel as representing
the turning of the century.
Three years of work went into the project, planning permission
had to be granted, feasibility studies undertaken, financial
consultations and all the groundwork needed to get the giant
Wheel designed and built. David and Julia hoped to have two
and a half years to construct the Wheel, but by the time the
finances were in place they were left with only fourteen months.
In recognition of their work, the imaginative design and the
pleasure it will give to millions of people, the couple have
been awarded the MBE.
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