Minor British Institutions: The fourth plinth
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Thanks to the ubiquitous Antony Gormley, for a few weeks anyone, in principle, can join Admiral Lord Nelson, George IV, Henry Havelock and Sir Charles James Napier in Trafalgar Square by squatting on the famous fourth plinth for an hour or so.
The empty plinth was originally intended for another 19th-century celeb, William IV, known then as the "sailor king", and now usually remembered as the bloke who came before Queen Victoria.
The most striking statue to grace the fourth plinth during the periodic artistic experiments that have taken place since 1999 is that of Alison Lapper, herself an artist, by Marc Quinn.
"Pregnant Alison Lapper" was seen during 2005 and remains the best recalled among the general public, if only because she was born with no arms and shortened legs and seen nude, shocking some.
RAF heroes, the Queen Mother, the Queen, Nelson Mandela (who wound up in Parliament Square) and many others have been suggested as permanent fixtures on the fourth plinth. However we seem to be enjoying playing with the plinth: maybe someone will put an equestrian William IV up there for a week or two, just to see what a trad statue might look like.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments