London icons' interactive sculpture trail unveiled
A new interactive art trail has opened in central London featuring iconic London-themed sculptures.
A post-box, London bus and a black cab can all be seen as part of the free display.
The sculptures can be found in places including Victoria Embankment Garden and St James's Park.
The work has been placed by a local business group with the aim of attracting more visitors.
Each sculpture is linked to augmented reality via a QR code which displays archive images of nearby landmarks.
The trail has been organised by the London Heritage Quarter, a recently-formed collective of four central London Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), covering Westminster, Victoria, Whitehall and the Northbank.
BIDs are business-led and business-funded bodies designed to improve specific commercial areas.
It said it launched the art series to "commemorate significant anniversaries" including the National Gallery celebrating its 200th anniversary this year.
The group added it hoped it would benefit local businesses by attracting national and international visitors.
Places to see the sculptures:
Teacup - Victoria Embankment Gardens
Teapot - Lower Grosvenor Gardens
Taxi - Trafalgar Square
Telephone box - Westminster Cathedral Piazza
Post-box - Supreme Court
Bus - Strand Aldwych
Crown - St James's Park
Rain Boots - Victoria Tower Gardens
Top Hat - Whitehall Gardens
Guard - The Guards Museum, Wellington Barracks
Pocket Watch - QEII Centre
Ruth Duston, CEO of London Heritage Quarter, said: "Each custom-made sculpture, honouring iconic British symbols, provides an engaging, interactive experience for both local and global visitors.
"As the summer season approaches, this trail stands out as a unique addition to London’s diverse attractions, offering a fresh and exciting way to explore the city.”
The sculptures have been painted by art group Artiq.
Tazie Taysom, its commercial director, said: "Our artists are delighted to be part of the London Heritage Quarter Summer Trail.
"This project provides a fantastic platform for contemporary art to be enjoyed in public spaces, and we are proud to contribute to the cultural tapestry of London."
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