The history of the London Eye begins with a competition in 1993, when architects David Marks and Julia Barfield submitted their design for a giant observation wheel to mark the new millennium. Although the competition didn't declare a winner, the duo persevered, eventually securing funding from British Airways to make their vision a reality. Construction began in 1998, and the structure was ceremonially opened on December 31, 1999.
A Landmark for the Millennium
The story of the London Eye is one of architectural ambition and persistence. In 1993, The Sunday Times and the Architecture Foundation held a competition to design a landmark for London to celebrate the turn of the millennium. Husband-and-wife architects David Marks and Julia Barfield imagined a structure that would give people a new perspective on the city, much like the Eiffel Tower did for Paris.
Their idea was a giant, moving wheel that would lift people high over the Thames, offering unparalleled views. Despite their innovative concept, the competition ended without a winner being chosen. Undeterred, Marks and Barfield founded their own company to pursue the project. Their persistence paid off when they secured the backing of British Airways, which became a major sponsor.
An Engineering Feat
With funding secured, the complex process of designing and building the wheel, originally known as the Millennium Wheel, began. Construction started in 1998. It was a truly international effort:
- The 1,700 tonnes of steel for the structure were supplied from the UK and fabricated in the Netherlands.
- The cables came from Italy.
- The high-tech bearings were made in Germany.
- The central spindle and hub were cast in the Czech Republic.
- The 32 passenger capsules were built in France, using glass from Venice, Italy.
The components were transported by barges up the River Thames and assembled horizontally on temporary platforms. In a painstaking process, the massive wheel was then slowly lifted into its vertical position over several days, a major milestone in the construction.
Opening and Becoming an Icon
The London Eye was ceremonially opened by Prime Minister Tony Blair on New Year's Eve, 1999. However, a capsule clutch problem meant that it did not open to the public until March 9, 2000.
Originally, the London Eye was only intended to be a temporary structure with a five-year permission from Lambeth Council. But its popularity was immediate and overwhelming. It quickly became the UK's most popular paid tourist attraction, welcoming millions of visitors a year. Recognizing its success and iconic status, its lease was extended, and in July 2002, it was granted permanent status. Today, it is an instantly recognizable and beloved part of the London skyline, offering a unique 30-minute journey and breathtaking views. Many visitors choose to combine this experience with guided tours of the surrounding South Bank area.
Frequently asked questions
Why was the London Eye built?
The London Eye was built to commemorate the turn of the millennium. It was conceived by architects David Marks and Julia Barfield as part of a 1993 competition to design a new landmark for London.
How long did it take to build the London Eye?
Construction began in 1998 and the main structure was erected during 1999. The entire process, from the start of construction to the public opening, took over a year and a half.
What was the original name of the London Eye?
The original name of the London Eye was the Millennium Wheel. It has also held several sponsored names over the years, including the British Airways London Eye and the Coca-Cola London Eye.
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