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.

Credits: Story

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


Text 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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