Trail of dynamic statues in London’s Leicester Square is inspired by a century of cinema from the 1920s to 2020s.
A trail of cinematic bronze statues has been unveiled in London’s Leicester Square, with Paddington among the characters playing a starring role.
Scenes in the Square has been inspired by Britain’s love of film and a century of cinema from the 1920s to 2020s. In addition, it also celebrates the 350th anniversary of Leicester Square.
Dynamic statues of Batman, Bugs Bunny, Laurel & Hardy, Mary Poppins, Mr Bean, Paddington, Singin’ in the Rain and Wonder Woman were unveiled in a series of music, dance and lighting performances and special guests yesterday (Thursday February 27).
Hugh Bonneville shared a marmalade sandwich with Paddington, who has taken up residence on one of the benches inside the Square until at least the summer, with the organisers hoping they will remain for years to come as the initiative welcomes new statues.
Each statue depicts a much-loved movie moment from a different decade since the 1920s, with dynamic poses chosen to naturally interact with the scenery in the Square, from rooftops to walls, lamp posts to flower beds.
In addition, the trail will also come to life on visitors’ mobile phones through a Visit London app, with interactive maps and clips from each film coming to life through NFC technology, along with scannable music playlists through a Spotify partnership.
“Scenes in the Square is an exciting tribute to Leicester Square’s 350th birthday,” said Ros Morgan, chief executive of Heart of London Business Alliance. “Nowhere else in the world can you stop for lunch on a bench with Mr Bean or Paddington, dance alongside Gene Kelly’s Singin’ in the Rain or hold your umbrella aloft next to Mary Poppins.
“Scenes in the Square is a first of its kind and we hope it will put London on the movie map like the Walk of Fame has in Hollywood.”
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