Historical Background: Trafalgar Square & The Fourth Plinth
Trafalgar Square, designed by John Nash in the 1820s and named after Admiral Lord Nelson’s 1805 victory, remains a focal point for civic life in London. Its centerpiece, Nelson’s Column, is flanked by four bronze lions and surrounded by significant buildings like the National Gallery and St Martin-in-the-Fields church (Inspiring City).
The square’s four plinths were intended for statues of national significance. While three quickly gained statues, the Fourth Plinth remained empty due to funding challenges, sparking public debate and eventually becoming London’s leading platform for contemporary art (Londonist).
The Fourth Plinth Project and Commissioning of THE END
In the late 1990s, the RSA initiated the Fourth Plinth Project, inviting contemporary artists to create temporary works for the site. The success of these commissions led to the formal establishment of the Mayor of London’s Fourth Plinth Commission in 2003, which continues to rotate groundbreaking artworks (Londonhua Wiki; Elearn College).
Heather Phillipson’s THE END was selected in 2017 as the 13th commission, unveiled in July 2020 after a COVID-19 delay. Its debut coincided with a period of global uncertainty, amplifying its resonance within the public sphere (BBC News; Wikipedia: The End (sculpture)).
Artistic Concept and Symbolism
Standing 9.4 meters tall and weighing about 9 tonnes, THE END is the tallest and one of the most visually impactful installations on the Fourth Plinth (Google Arts & Culture). The sculpture depicts a melting swirl of whipped cream, topped with a glossy cherry, a giant fly, and a functioning surveillance drone.
Phillipson intentionally juxtaposes playfulness and unease: the sundae’s exuberance is disrupted by the presence of the fly (a symbol of decay) and the drone (representing surveillance and digital intrusion). The title, THE END, is both ominous and ambiguous, suggesting societal excess, environmental fragility, and the precariousness of modern life (Studio International; LondonPhotoTours).
Materiality and Construction
Constructed from steel and polystyrene, finished with a durable sprayed polyurethane coating, THE END achieves both monumental presence and intricate detail. The high-gloss finish on the cherry mimics nail varnish, heightening the sculpture’s hyperreal aesthetic. The drone was fully operational, streaming a live feed of Trafalgar Square online, while the fly was rendered at an exaggerated scale (Wikipedia: The End (sculpture); Apollo Magazine, cited in Wikipedia; Google Arts & Culture).
Accessibility and Public Engagement
THE END set a new standard for accessibility among Fourth Plinth commissions. Features include:
- Braille panel and tactile imagery The plaque includes braille and tactile images for visually impaired visitors.
- Audio description Available online for remote or enhanced on-site engagement.
- Drone livestream The drone streamed live footage at theend.today, accessible globally.
These elements reflect a broader commitment to inclusive public art, engaging diverse audiences through physical, sensory, and digital means (LondonPhotoTours; Observer).
Visiting THE END: Hours, Tickets & Travel Tips
Visiting Hours and Admission
- Location Fourth Plinth, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
- Hours Open 24/7; best viewed during daylight (8:00 AM–8:00 PM) for optimal visibility and safety
- Admission Free, no ticket required
Getting There
- Tube Charing Cross (Northern, Bakerloo lines), Leicester Square (Northern, Piccadilly lines)
- Bus Routes 6, 9, 11, 15, 23, 24, 29, 87, 139, 176, 453
- Bike Santander Cycle docking stations nearby
- Walking Short walk from Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus, and the London Eye
Full travel details at Transport for London.
Accessibility
- Step-free access and smooth pavements for wheelchairs and prams
- Accessible public toilets on the square’s north side
- Braille, tactile, and audio resources for visually impaired visitors
Nearby Attractions
Enhance your visit by exploring:
- The National Gallery World-class art collection
- St Martin-in-the-Fields Historic church and music venue
- Covent Garden Shopping, dining, and street performances
- Nelson’s Column and lion statues Iconic landmarks
Trafalgar Square also offers seating, cafes, restaurants, and public events throughout the year (Explorial).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the visiting hours for THE END?
A: The sculpture is accessible 24/7, but daylight hours (8:00 AM–8:00 PM) are recommended.
Q: Do I need a ticket?
A: No, the artwork is free and open to all.
Q: Is the site wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, there are step-free routes and accessible facilities.
Q: Can I take photos or film?
A: Yes, personal photography is encouraged; commercial filming requires permission.
Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Many city walking tours include the Fourth Plinth; check with local providers or the Fourth Plinth’s official website for details.
Q: Can I see THE END online?
A: While the drone livestream was available during the sculpture’s display, you can still view images and video on the Fourth Plinth official website.
