A Mayor's Vision

The Mayor of London's creative vision for the Fourth Plinth

Empty Fourth Plinth (2014) by Greater London AuthorityMayor of London

The Plinth Lies Empty… Again

Despite the unanimous recommendation of the Vacant Plinth Committee, the Plinth remained vacant for the next three years for two key reasons. First, management of Trafalgar Square had moved from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to the Mayor of London’s Office in 2000.

Empty Fourth Plinth (2010) by The Mayor of LondonMayor of London

Second, a long-planned, major redevelopment of Trafalgar Square had started in 2002. Led by WS Atkins and Foster and Partners, the work lasted 18 months and it wasn’t until July 2003 that the square was returned to the Mayor’s Office. 

Justine Simons #BehindEveryGreatCity by GLA/Caroline TeoOriginal Source: Mayor of London

Justine Simons, OBE Leads the Fourth Plinth Programme

The Mayor’s culture team also took over the Fourth Plinth Project which had now become the Fourth Plinth Programme. It was headed by Justine Simons, OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries. 

Statues Trafalgar Square (2021) by The Mayor of LondonMayor of London

The Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group

In that same year, 2003, the Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group led by Sandy Nairne, Director of the National Portrait Gallery was established to start the process recommended by Sir John and the Vacant Plinth Committee in 2000. 

Fourth Plinth Maquette Exhibition Image by The Mayor of LondonMayor of London

The Commissioning Process

The Commissioning Group comprised of figures from the worlds of art and architecture and included artists themselves, curators and journalists amongst others. The journey had resumed. 

Fourth Plinth Maquette Exhibition Image by The Mayor of LondonMayor of London

Long list to Shortlist: How It Works

A long list of British and international artists are invited to submit proposals. The group then selects six of these to each submit a maquette (small preliminary display of the artwork). These maquettes then go on an open exhibition and the public can comment and vote for their favourite. The Commissioning Group considers these comments and votes as they select the final two entries for approval by the Mayor’s office.

Fourth Plinth Maquette Exhibition Image by The Mayor of LondonMayor of London

The First Round

The first commissioning round took place in 2003 and to date there have been a total of six rounds. So, in 18 years, 36 designs have been shortlisted and by 2022, 12 works from internationally renowned artists would have been displayed on what has now become the world's most  prestigious public art gallery.   

Vaisahki (2021) by The Mayor of LondonMayor of London

A Powerful Symbol for Londoners

Since it started, the Fourth Plinth Programme has become a powerful symbol for Londoners and visitors to our city and is emulated worldwide – including on the High Line in New York. It brings contemporary art and debate to millions for free and casts a new light on London’s most historic square. 

Along with London’s world class cultural activities and attractions, it will play a vital role in the city’s recovery once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

OpenIftar by The Mayor of LondonMayor of London

Championing Diversity in Art

London is one of the most diverse cities in the world. It is being increasingly recognised that this distinctiveness in diversity is a tremendous asset. The Mayor is committed to ensuring that the capital’s population and history are celebrated and commemorated, and we have already seen this with an increased cultural representation in our public spaces.

The Fourth Plinth Programme is no exception and since its inception has increasingly and openly embraced the rich diversity in the art world.

Fourth Plinth Maquette Exhibition Image by The Mayor of LondonMayor of London

Pushing Artistic Boundaries

Let’s take a look back at these works that have placed art on a pedestal in, at times, a most spectacular, innovative, outlandish and unorthodox way. They and the artists behind them have pushed artistic boundaries, generated endless debate, catapulted art into the hearts of audiences worldwide and helped redefine Britain’s nationality identity.

Credits: Story

Learn more about the Fourth Plinth at g.co/fourthplinth or see the 2021 shortlist artists here



Text written by L Rhoda Molife

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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Discover the history creativity and sculptures of the iconic Fourth Plinth in London, United Kingdom
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