There’s nothing quite like happening upon a blue plaque celebrating someone famous in London when you’re strolling around the city, and now English Heritage has just announced the honourees for the scheme in 2025. Audrey Hepburn, Marc Bolan, and Una Marson are among the names that will be receiving the blue plaque treatment with those on the list being recognised for their impact on the city.
Plaques celebrate their ‘profound impact’, with the actress Hepburn set to receive a plaque in Mayfair, where she was living when she received her role in Roman Holiday as Princess Anne, after she had also been to boarding school in England. Bolan was at the forefront of the glam rock movement in the 70s, fronting T-Rex and singing on hits including Get It On.
Also honoured with a blue plaque this year will be Jamaican poet, broadcaster, playwright, and campaigner A Marsonwho was the first black woman to be employed by the BBC, where she worked during World War II.
Ballerina Alicia Markovaauthor of books including Excellent Women Barbara Pym; and abstract landscape artist Graham Sutherlandwhose plaque will be put up at his childhood home, are also on the list to be honoured with blue plaques in 2025.
Speaking on the news, The English Heritage curatorial director, Matt Thompson, said: “2025 marks an exciting year for the blue plaques scheme as we honour these outstanding individuals who transformed the cultural fabric of London.
“From literature and art to dance and music, these figures helped shape the London we know today. Their contributions not only had a profound impact on their fields but also continue to inspire generations.”
English Heritage plaques are chosen via public suggestions, and link the icon to the building they lived, worked in, or had some kind of impact on.
Blue plaques for Audrey Hepburn, Marc Bolan, Barbara Pym, Graham Sutherland, Alicia Markova, and Una Marson are subject to the property owner’s approval, and are due to be put up throughout this year.
