A sculpture placed outside the original M & S Lifestore in Gateshead . Designed by John Pawson, it was one of the most beautiful and innovative retail experiences. Unfortunately it was very short lived as M & S pulled the plug after about 6 months. Apparently the 'Light Ladder' is still in place but the store has turned into a 'Pet World'.

Client: Marks and Spencer
Architect: John Pawson
Photography: Dominic Berning

Original Proposal

The proposal for a sculpture within the new Marks and Spencer Life-store at Gateshead is an extremely simple seeming ladder like structure. The piece would be approximately 6500mm x 800mm x 100mm, and would be constructed of stainless steel supporting glass rungs. It would stand edge ways on to the approach path and the main building so that it only occupied 100mm width of the approach path and stood at right angle to the main entrance.

When first approached via the central pathway it would appear as a slender line with light radiating either side of it, casting the leading edge into some degree of silhouette depending on external light conditions. When seen face on, for example, driving towards the store, or walking parallel to the faŤade, the viewer will see illuminated glass rungs that are clear through their face, but etched, and holding the light, within their upper and lower edges. The amount of illuminated edge seen will graduate according to angle of view and approach.

The piece will require foundations to support it and a power supply from the ground. It is anticipated that it will appear to stand directly on the path surface but there will be consideration given to some kerb style protection to avoid trolleys, push chairs etc colliding with it.

LED units set into the uprights and focussed along the glass rungs from either end will provide the lighting. The LED's have an extremely long life and 80,000-100,000 hours of life is anticipated without servicing requirements.

Each glass rung will be 40mm across its top and bottom edge and 60mm across its face, spanning the gap of 600 between the verticals. There will be fifteen rungs with 350mm between each one and the top and bottom of the sculpture.

We believe that the proposed work will be an elegant enhancement to the space allowing a range of views and interpretations which by nature of its simplicity, careful proportioning and rich metaphysical associations allows for ready accessibility to the average viewer, yet can resonate profoundly with those who may wish to engage more fully, while at the same time working in harmony with the nature of John Pawsons design for the building.