Myths & Curiosities
The Fourth Plinth
Built in 1841 for an equestrian statue that was never funded, the fourth plinth stood empty for over 150 years. Since 1999 it has hosted a rolling programme of contemporary commissions — from Marc Quinn's 'Alison Lapper Pregnant' to a giant blue cockerel and a melting whipped-cream cherry — making it London's most-argued-about pedestal.
- Subject
- Rotating contemporary art commissions
- Sculptor
- A new artist every commission
- Unveiled
- 1999
- Material
- Varies by commission
- Location
- North-west plinth, Trafalgar Square
