Boris Johnson’s office have confirmed recent reports that the Mayor is to continue with the Fourth Plinth scheme – a rolling programme of contemporary sculptures displays on Trafalgar Square’s fourth plinth.
During the recent election campaign Mr Johnson indicated that he was in favour of the plinth being used to house a statue of Second World War hero Sir Keith Park who commanded RAF squadrons in the defence of London during the Battle for Britain.
However in a statement issued by City Hall yesterday Johnson said ‘London is one of the greatest cities in the world for arts and culture, with the opportunity to experience a phenomenal range from the classical, to the modern.”
“The Fourth Plinth is a project that encapsulates that fantastic mix, putting contemporary work against the context of some fine old buildings, underlining London’s reputation at the cutting edge of art. The Fourth Plinth has also proven popular, sparking the public’s imagination and will continue for the foreseeable future.’
Johnson said he would “continue to work closely with the Sir Keith Park Memorial Campaign” to ensure a memorial to Park is “placed in a prestigious central London location as quickly as possible.”
The Mayor’s change of stance has been attacked by the right-wing leaning New Culture Forum as “a timid, cowardly U-turn”.
