Marble Arch is set to be revitalised for the City of Sculpture Festival after Westminster City Council gave permission to install new artwork. The sculptures will be the icing on the cake for Marble Arch, which underwent a £1m revamp in 2009.
The family of colourful jelly baby sculptures will range in height from 10.5 ft to 7.5ft and have been created by renowned sculpture Mauro Perucchetti. He is best known for his work with Elizabeth Taylor and Andy Warhol on the 70s film "The Drivers Seat". His work also brings together conceptual, pop art and minimalist traditions by using symbols to create meaning.
The City of Sculpture Festival aims to highlight the cultural diversity that Westminster has to offer. A range of unique sculptures have been donated free of charge by some of the world's leading galleries and artists. The festival will see over 60 pieces installed throughout Westminster and is a fantastic opportunity for residents to view world class art for free.
Cllr Robert Davis, Westminster City Council’s deputy leader and chairman of the planning applications sub committee, said: “Marble Arch was for too long a forgotten landmark, but now stands proud as a gateway to the West End and is a destination in its own right. The Jelly Baby Family will only add to its appeal and will no doubt bring a wry smile to visitors.
"We are honoured the artist agreed to showcase his work here and we look forward to attracting many more intriguing and appealing sculptures leading up to 2012. It may be fun, but there's also a serious side as attracting visitors is crucial to driving the economic recovery and 300,000 jobs in the West End are reliant on them."
