Calling all scavenger-hunting pros and treasure-trail champions – a new trail of artistic delights has landed in London, just waiting for you to find them all. To celebrate King Charles’ birthday (did you miss it? It was June 15), a series of British-themed sculptures have popped up depicting classic British emblems and iconography.
Spread around South Westminster, the ‘Journey Through Time’ trail includes eleven sculptures for visitors to find. Each one has been painted by a different artist from Artiq, a London-based art agency responsible for all manner of art in new and unusual settings. The British-themed sculptures popped up today (June 18), and they’ll be sticking around until August 4. Reckon that’s enough time for you to find them all?
Where is the trail?
The eleven sculptures have been spread across the London Heritage Quarter – aka the four central London Business Improvement Districts (BIDS): Victoria, Victoria Westminster, Whitehall, and Northbank. They can be found all around the area, spanning from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Cathedral and beyond.
You can download a map of the trail to help you along the way, here.
What are the British-themed sculptures?
As you make your way around London along the trail, you’ll find all manner of quintessentially British emblems and pastimes represented in sculptural form. They range from the obvious (is there anything more British than a cuppa?) to the London-centric (like the iconic buses) and beyond.
Each sculpture also has a QR code that reveals “archival imagery of nearby landmarks and the surrounding area”. It’s a truly fascinating dive into the city’s history alongside a charming day of exploring.
Some of the sculptures you’ll find along the way include:
Teacup (Marcus)
Tea is not just synonymous with Brits and British culture, it’s an essential part of everyday life. So they couldn’t very well have a trail of British-themed sculptures without including a teacup! Head on over to the Victoria Embankment Gardens and you’ll find the first artwork on the trail, next to the Robert Raikes Statue.
Black Cab (Jyoti)
The iconic London taxis are an enduring symbol of London that’s recognised all over the world. So, naturally, the sight is represented along the British-themed sculpture trail. You’ll find the artwork at King Charles Island (close to Trafalgar Square). Scanning the QR code will take you back in time to a new look at the National Gallery and Trafalgar Square.
Rain Boots (Fatima)
Well, given our city’s (and the country’s) propensity for rain, this makes sense right? Is there anything more British than always having to know where your rain boots are – regardless of the season?
You’ll find the rain boots sculpture in the Victoria Tower Gardensat the end near the Houses of Parliament. If you scan the QR code you can see right through the nearby House of Parliament, with a special x-ray view that also shows you Big Ben.
Crown (Daniel)
The crown is an enduring symbol of the British monarchy and its corresponding sculpture can be found (where else?) in St James Park, near the Memorial Gardens. If you can’t find it, simply head to Buckingham Palace and strike out East into St James Park. Scanning the QR code will show visitors a view of Buckingham Palace that takes them back in time with historic vehicles and a bandstand.
With eleven iconic British emblems in total to find – you best get to searching! Head over to London’s Heritage Quarter and see if you can find them all.
You can read more about the sculptures here.
