An Hour on a Pedestal

Sue Wallace, of Itton, became a living sculpture last Friday as part of Antony Gormley's One and Other project in Trafalgar Square.

Antony Gormley, sculptor of the Angel of the North, has invited the public to take part in his latest project. This artistic experiment sees a different person every hour, 24 hours a day, for 100 days on top of the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square. Sue Wallace, of Itton, was on the Plinth on Friday 31 July, from 9.00pm to 10.00pm.

“In a moment of madness I applied,” Says Sue. “I loved the idea that you don’t have to be a monarch to be up there!”

Some participants use it as a stage, some as a protest platform, others do nothing, but all project an image of humanity. After losing both parents to cancer, Sue decided to use this opportunity to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. She has raised £500 so far and is still accepting donations at www.justgiving.com/sueontheplinth.

“I wanted to make that space mine for an hour. I took a chair, a rug, photos of my grandsons and some books to read. I was very aware of the warmth and support of people on the ground as they watched and waved,” recalls Sue.

The plinth can be watched live by webcam at www.oneandother.co.uk.


Published: Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Review, 07/08/09, front page.