Fourth Plinthe Pride at Trafalgar Square

New sculpture in it's glory 28.02.12 

Make Trafalgar Square your destination this week as you will see a new addition on the fourth plinth. The sculpture is a 4.1m golden bronze sculpture of a boy playing on his rocking horse celebrating the "heroism of growing up" was unveiled to the public last week and replaces Yinka Shonibare’s Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle. The bronze casting and final fabrication of the piece was produced at AB Fine Art Foundry in Bow, London. It was important for the artists Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset that their work was produced in London where it would be shown.

History of the Fourth Plinth, Trafalgar Square

The Northwest Plinth was built in 1841 and was originally designed to host a bronze equestrian statue of King William IV by Sir Charles Barry. The statue, however, was never installed. Now, more than 170 years later, Elmgreen & Dragset have completed the original theme by creating a new take on the tradition of equestrian statues, directly engaging with the history of the plinth itself.

You may have heard about Elmgreen and Dragset previously when the artists opened a Prada boutique in the middle of the Texan desert. Their latest work suitably names 'Powerless Structures' is a twist on a traditional equestrian portrait. The artists say, because instead of celebrating military victory and commemorating fame, it acknowledges the “heroism of growing up”.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said, "The unique artworks that bestride the Fourth Plinth are amongst the many reasons why London is internationally renowned for culture, a vital part of our economy that creates jobs and attracts millions of visitors around the world. It seems fitting to have such a gleaming talisman to watch over our city during this fantastic Olympic year – it hopefully will bring us luck in the medal tables this summer!”


See Behind the Scenes Video of the Sculpture

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