Nelson's 'Victory' joins him in Trafalgar Square
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.It is Trafalgar Square, named after the naval battle of 1805, so it might seem fitting that the space on the square's celebrated empty fourth plinth should be occupied by a memorial of the battle – and, as of yesterday, so it is.
Nelson's Ship in a Bottle is a 1:30 scale replica of HMS Victory, the flagship of Admiral Horatio Nelson who at Trafalgar defeated the combined fleets of France and Spain in the greatest sea battle of the Napoleonic wars. It has been created by the leading Anglo-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare.
But inside its 4.7m by 2.8m bottle, is the model battleship, with its 37 large sails made of brightly patterned African fabric, a celebration of British historical power and victory? Or a subtle subversion of it?
Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, made the point yesterday in welcoming the new artwork when he said: "The fourth plinth is about enigma and this will be a national conversation piece – people will ask what it says: is it pro-empire, is it anti-empire?"
He went on: "Yinka Shonibare's sculpture is the work of an artist at the top of his game. This colourful and quirky take on our seafaring heritage provides a vivid contrast that intensifies the historic surroundings of Trafalgar Square. As with the times, it's a vibrant coalition bringing together the traditional and the contemporary, showing London to be creative and forward looking."
Commissioned by the Mayor, and supported by Arts Council England with sponsorship from Guaranty Trust Bank of Nigeria and the Henry Moore Foundation, the artwork is the first commission on the fourth plinth to reflect specifically on the historical symbolism of Trafalgar Square, and links directly with Nelson's column. It is also the first commission by a black British artist.
"London is such a diverse community, and art is a fantastic way to engage everyone regardless of race, class or gender," Yinka Shonibare said. "It is particularly great that this piece is an expression of Nelson's legacy, a legacy which has contributed to the diversity of this city."
London-based Shonibare, who was born in Britain, moved to Nigeria aged three and studied art in the UK, is known for his works exploring colonialism and was made an MBE in 2004.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments