The Vacant Plinth
“Regular changes would ensure a continuing interest, excitement and, we hope, controversy, which will greatly enhance the liveliness of the square. The Plinth is a wonderful showcase for artists.” ~The Vacant Plinth Committee Report, 2000
Matt Fourth Plinth Cartoon by Daily TelegraphMayor of London
Time to Secure the Future of the Fourth Plinth
Although the launch of the Fourth Plinth Project was a resounding success, its future was not secure.
After the RSA’s involvement had come to an end, then Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lord Smith formed an advisory committee, headed by the now late Sir John Mortimer QC to conduct an inquiry on the future of the project.
College Newspaper Headlines (2016) by The Mayor of LondonMayor of London
The Nation's Plinth
The British and international media remained as fully engaged during the inquiry as they were for the displays of the first three works. The public responded wholeheartedly to the committee’s appeal for suggestions - 8, 240 individual responses were received on suggestions for the next display with most calling for Mark Wallinger’s Ecce Homo to become a permanent fixture in the square.
Statues Trafalgar Square (2021) by The Mayor of LondonMayor of London
The Final Verdict
After much deliberation over everyone's opinions, on 12 May 2000, the committee recommended that the Plinth should continue to host a rolling display of major pieces of contemporary sculpture from both British and international artists.
Untitled (2001) by Rachel WhitereadMayor of London
They recommended that this next phase of the project should commence as soon as possible after the reign of Rachel Whiteread’s Monument on the square had come to an end in May 2002.
Learn more about the Fourth Plinth at g.co/fourthplinth or see the 2021 shortlist artists here.
Text by L Rhoda Molife
