1. What Is the Fourth Plinth?

The Fourth Plinth is the empty pedestal in the northwest corner of Trafalgar Square, opposite the National Gallery. It was originally built in the 1840s to hold an equestrian statue of King William IV, but the project was never completed due to lack of funding.

For over 150 years, the plinth stood empty — a silent question mark at the heart of London. Today, it’s one of the world’s most famous public art commissions.

2. The Birth of the Fourth Plinth Programme

In 1998, the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) and later the Greater London Authority (GLA) launched the Fourth Plinth Programme, transforming the empty base into a rotating platform for contemporary art.

Each commission lasts roughly 18–24 months, showcasing works by internationally renowned artists. The initiative quickly became a symbol of London’s openness to creativity, diversity, and dialogue.

3. Why It’s Important

The Fourth Plinth redefined what public art can be. Instead of static monuments to the past, it presents living, thought-provoking artworks that reflect the spirit of our time.
It’s a platform where heritage meets modernity, much like the ethos of Blonstein UK — combining cultural legacy with contemporary expression.

4. Notable Artworks

Some of the most iconic pieces that have stood on the plinth include:

• Marc Quinn – “Alison Lapper Pregnant” (2005–2007)
  A marble sculpture celebrating disability, beauty, and strength.

• Antony Gormley – “One & Other” (2009)
  Invited 2,400 members of the public to stand on the plinth for one hour each, turning the people themselves into art.

• Yinka Shonibare – “Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle” (2010–2012)
  A scale replica of HMS Victory, with sails made of African batik fabric — exploring themes of identity and empire.

• Katharina Fritsch – “Hahn/Cock” (2013–2015)
  A giant blue rooster symbolising regeneration and national pride.

• Michael Rakowitz – “The Invisible Enemy Should Not Exist” (2018–2020)
  A reconstruction of a destroyed Assyrian statue, commenting on war and cultural loss.

Each artwork transforms Trafalgar Square — a place of power and trafalgar square fourth plinth — into a living dialogue between past and present.

5. The Creative Process

Artists are shortlisted and selected by an independent panel convened by the Mayor of London’s Culture Team and the Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group.
Once chosen, the artist works with engineers and fabricators to ensure the installation meets structural, environmental, and safety requirements for a public space that receives thousands of visitors daily.

The installations are temporary, allowing new voices and ideas to continually refresh the square.

6. Cultural and Global Impact

The Fourth Plinth has become a beacon of free expression. It challenges traditional notions of monuments — who they commemorate and why — by giving contemporary artists a platform at the symbolic centre of the nation.

For visitors, it’s both an art experience and a civic statement: London as an open, creative, and questioning city.

For creative agencies like Blonstein UK, it represents the kind of public storytelling that blends artistry, space, and emotion — turning civic architecture into a stage for imagination.

7. The Connection to Blonstein UK’s Work

Blonstein has long been associated with public installations, fashion experiences, and site-specific art events across London. The Fourth Plinth shares the same creative DNA — merging audience, architecture, and narrative.

Like the plinth, Blonstein’s projects reimagine how space can be used:

• Transforming heritage sites like Tate Britain or Somerset House into stages for storytelling

• Blending fashion, design, and culture with public accessibility

• Ensuring art doesn’t just exist — it engages and provokes

In many ways, the Fourth Plinth embodies the kind of visionary production and cultural dialogue that defines Blonstein’s creative philosophy.

8. What’s Next for the Fourth Plinth

As of the latest commissions, the programme continues under the Mayor of London’s Culture Team. Future artists are chosen from open calls and international nominations.

The plinth’s ongoing success proves that public art — when curated with courage and inclusivity — can remain fresh, challenging, and globally admired.

Trafalgar Square’s Fourth Plinth reminds us that London’s identity isn’t fixed in stone — it’s alive, evolving, and creative at its core.

In Summary

The Fourth Plinth stands not just as a physical pedestal, but as a symbolic platform for ideas. It’s a space where art meets the public — free, open, and unfiltered.

For creatives, producers, and cultural brands, it’s a reminder that the power of place lies in how we activate it through story, emotion, and experience.

The fashion industry is evolving — so should its events. Blonstein UK embraces sustainable design, minimising waste through modular sets and recyclable materials. We also explore hybrid experiences, integrating digital storytelling and virtual streaming to reach global audiences.

Every successful fashion event starts with a clear creative direction. Ask yourself:

• What story do you want to tell through your collection?

• Should the show be theatrical, intimate, digital, or hybrid?

• How will the lighting, music, and setting reflect your brand identity?

Your production company should be able to translate your vision into an immersive audience experience. At Blonstein, we work collaboratively from concept to execution — designing environments that embody your brand’s values and energy.