Building site becomes giant canvas for budding artists

London’s 'largest urban gallery' was unveiled this morning on the side of a building site in Mayfair.

The central image, an artwork designed by Royal Academy student Alex Knell on a quarter-acre canvas, was unfurled with the help of some abseiling workers.

Knell’s work was selected as the winner of an online poll of RA students’ work. Twelve shortlisted submissions are displayed alongside on another part of the 19m x 43m canvas draped over the development at One Grafton Street.

The unique display of public art is the brainchild of property developer Hines, which is building the commercial development beneath the canvas.

You can see a video of the canvas being unfurled beneath.