A list of every Fourth Plinth sculpture, and where they are now.
The Fourth Plinth was built in Trafalgar Square in 1841. Of course, it wouldn't then have been known as the Fourth Plinth.
The pedestal was originally intended to display a statue of William IV, but due to insufficient funds, it never happened. The plinth remained bare for over 150 years — no one really knew what to do with it.
And then... a decision was made. The plinth would be occupied by a succession of temporary works. The Fourth Plinth Project began in 1999... but only lasted three years. The plinth was bare once more.
The project was revived as The Fourth Plinth Commission in 2005, and has been going strong ever since. Here is the complete record, from most recent to oldest.
850 Improntas, Teresa Margolles (2024-2026)
850 "life masks" of trans people from London and further afield, arranged in the form of a tzompantli, or skull rack, from MesoAmerican culture.
Antelope, Samson Kambalu (2022-2024)
The sculptural restaging of a 1914 photograph showing Baptist preacher and pan-Africanist John Chilembwe and European missionary John Chorley. Chilembwe is shown wearing a hat, which was forbidden in the presence of white people at the time.
Where is it now? In storage.
The End, Heather Phillipson (2020-2022)
This playfully macabre confection, featuring an ice cream cone topped with a cherry, a fly and a drone, coincided with the Covid pandemic and so was initially little-seen. The drone recorded footage of passers-by, which was streamed onto a live feed.
Where is it now? In storage, unknown location.
The Invisible Enemy Should not Exist, Michael Rakowitz (2018-2020)
A protective winged-bull sculpture had guarded the entrance to Nergal Gate of Nineveh from 700 BC, right up until 2015 when ISIS blew it up. This recreation for the Fourth Plinth is made from empty Iraqi date syrup cans.
Where is it now? In storage, but the artist is hoping to donate it to Tate Modern if certain conditions are met.
Really Good, David Shrigley (2016-2018)
Ever felt so good about something, that the thumbs-up emoji just isn't enough? David Shrigley feels you, so decided to create what is essentially a massive emoji statue made of bronze.
Where is it now? On show outside the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, which acquired the work in early 2024.
Gift Horse, Hans Haacke (2015-2016)
Haacke's horse was apparently a "contemporary comment on history, power and money". It is supposedly a tribute to English painter George Stubbs, whose famous painting of Whistlejacket the horse hangs inside the National Gallery. But also a nod to Adam Smith, thanks to a real-time feed of the London Stock Exchange on the ribbon of the "Gift Horse".
Where is it now? In storage, but making regular appearances at temporary exhibitions.
Hahn/Cock, Katharina Fritsch (2013-2015)
Yes, the plinth once hosted a massive blue cock, much to the delight of headline writers. The cockerel symbolised "regeneration, awakening and strength." It was also a cheeky swipe at the male-dominated plinths that surrounded it.
Where is it now? On display at the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC. A second version roosts at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
Powerless Structures, Fig. 101, Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset (2012-2013)
Like Hahn/Cock, this plinth topping references those around it. Trafalgar Square — and central London — is filled with statues of military heroes on horseback, so Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset decided to contrast them by celebrating the heroism of growing up. The bronze boy on a bronze rocking horse stood here during the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Where is it now? On display outside the Arken Museum of Modern Art, Denmark.
Nelson's Ship In A Bottle, Yinka Shonibare (2010-2012)
Seeing as the Fourth Plinth is in Trafalgar Square, it wasn't going to be too long before something related to the Battle of Trafalgar came along. Step right up Yinka Shonibare, who provided a replica of Nelson's ship HMS Victory... in a bottle. We have no idea how he got it in there.
Where is it now? Outside the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich.
One & Other, Antony Gormley (2009)
Probably the most original of the plinth's commissions came in early autumn of 2009. Over 100 consecutive days, members of the public could spend one hour each on the plinth, and do their thang. The project was called One & Other and was the brainchild of sculptor Antony Gormley, who wanted to elevate everyday life into the realm of monumental art. The picture above shows Londonist contributor Hazel, who reenacted her wedding. More touching than all the people who stripped off up there.
Where is it now? Living on in a thousand different bodies all over the world.
Model For A Hotel 2007-2009, Thomas Schütte
This was formerly titled Hotel for the Birds. Trafalgar Square is, after all, a famed hangout for pigeons. The problem with pigeons, of course, is birdshit... meaning this installation had to be cleaned rather a lot.
Where is it now? In storage at an unknown location.
Alison Lapper Pregnant, Marc Quinn (2005-2007)
Marc Quinn created this statue of artist Alison Lapper when she was pregnant. Lapper was born with no arms and shortened legs due to a condition called phocomelia. The plinth's first resident was also the one with the lengthiest stay. This 13 tonne statue was up there from September 2005 until late 2007, getting some rather ugly reviews from some critics.
Where is it now? In storage at an unknown location. An inflatable replica formed part of the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
And, lest we forget the Fourth Plinth Project which saw Rachel Whiteread's Monument (2001), Bill Woodrow's Regardless of History (2000) and Mark Wallinger's Ecce Homo (1999). All were part of a shorter-lived Fourth Plinth Project, arranged by the RSA and Cass Sculpture Foundation. All three remain in storage.
Original article by Harry Rosehill, updated by Matt Brown
