Track down a levitating megaphone, a bright red cuboid... and a tiny perching cockerel.
Sculpture in the City has returned for its 12th edition. This year's trail includes 18 works of sculptural art, dotted around the eastern part of the Square Mile. From Fenchurch Street to Liverpool Street; in the shadow of the Gherkin and nestled in ancient churchyards, tracking down the sculptures is a grand way to get to know this part of the City.
If you did the 2022 trail, then expect a sizeable dose of déjà-vu. Only about half of this year's works are new, with many remaining in place from last year (and even the year before). This may be a little disappointing for returning fans. That said, some of the 'remainers' are ones we'd want to keep, including Oliver Bragg's amusing bench plaques and Jocelyn McGregor's human-snail hybrids at Aldgate.
Of the new pieces, one which we suspect will turn most heads is Simeon Barclay's Pittu Pithu Pitoo — a chicken on a fibreglass rock (top image) — if only for the inevitable "heh, heh, look at that tiny cock" gags. It's immediately behind the Cheesegrater, as is Phyllida Barlow's untitled:megaphone — a simulacrum loudhailer raised six metres in the air. Both hold hidden meanings if you care to stay and read the blurb.
As ever, the trail presents numerous 'Aha!' moments as you first chance across a work. However, with too many sculptures held over from last year, and a reliance on the same old locations, this annual trail could do with a shake up.
Sculpture in the City is free to explore and remains in place until spring 2024. While you're in the area, check out this summer's trail of Morph sculptures.
