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   The Fourth Plinth at Trafalgar Square by Kesta Allen
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Trafalgar Square is one of London's most famous landmarks. John Nash, the famous architect who designed some of London's most beautiful streets and buildings, designed the Square to be a great cultural centre point for the nation's capital. Officially opened in 1830, Trafalgar Square has been a gathering place ever since.

 

One of London's most famous landmarks, Nelson's Column, stands in the Square. This commemorates Admiral Lord Nelson, the great sea commander who defended Britain’s seaways during the Napoleonic wars with France. Nelson died at the Battle of Trafalgar, which the Square honours in its name. Each year, in the weeks

before Christmas, a massive fir tree donated by the people of Norway - in thanks for the part Britain played in achieving victory in the Second World War - dominates the Square with its festive lights. Four massive bronze lions guard the fountains that adorn the corners of the Square. So, it is no surprise that on any given day, literally thousands of Londoners and tourists visit the Square to take in the sights and watch the world go by.

But Trafalgar Square is not simply a tourist attraction. It is an iconic setting for political rallies and public protest. Indeed, many of Britain's most historically significant public gatherings and demonstrations had taken place in and around the Square. And it is here that Londoners congregate at midnight on New Year's Eve to welcome in the New Year in style.

However, when visiting Trafalgar Square, many people fail to notice the so-called "Fourth Plinth" positioned to the north-west of the square. A plinth provides the base on which a statue stands so that people can see it from all around. Built in 1841, Trafalgar Square's fourth plinth was originally intended for an equestrian statue.  But in the absence of a statue of a famous general, politician or other public figure, the plinth stood empty for many years.

Fortunately, the creation of a Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group breathed new life into the debate about the contribution that public art makes to the quality of streets and civic spaces. The Commissioning Group asked what kind of statue or work of art should stand on top of the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square to complement or challenge all the other elements that created the historic atmosphere of this very special space.  The Commissioning Group decided to use the plinth as a platform to showcase exciting new artworks from contemporary artists. In this way, the fourth plinth allows the cultural life of modern Britain to take its place against the backdrop of Britain's achievements. This means that the fourth plinth is the home to a series of temporary installations. As such, visitors are beginning to visit Trafalgar Square with the main aim of taking in the current fourth plinth artwork on show. To date, many of the works on show have been provocative and controversial. It is not unusual to see people debating their different responses to the fourth plinth piece on display - sometimes with great passion and intensity!


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Glossary

Congregate (v)
to gather together.

 

Equestrian (adj)
relating to horses.
  Last Updated ( Thursday, 15 October 2009 13:37 )