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Controversial: the sculpture has divided the public and critics

Bemusement, indifference, outright criticism - and occasional praise - is how real Londoners feel about the new works of art for Trafalgar Square's fourth plinth.

The Mayor's office insists London wants this art, which is being paid for with public money, but it refuses to reveal how Londoners reacted to it in public consultation.

So, in an attempt to redress the balance, the Evening Standard hit the streets to canvass public opinion.

Next year two works will be installed on the plinth - Marc Quinn's statue of his pregnant disabled friend Alison Lapper; and Thomas Sch¸tte's Hotel For The Birds.

English literature student Bethan Mogford, 25, from Hammersmith, was far from impressed. She said: "I think that people would want to see something more original."

Of Mr Sch¸tte's work she said: "We're trying to get rid of the pigeons, for God's sake - the bird thing is a waste of space."

She was slightly more charitable towards Marc Quinn's effort. "It's not pretty but it is very striking. The problem is that this square is steeped in our colonial history and I'm not sure this is the right place for these works."

Laura Strevens, 32, a sales executive from Balham, said: "Modern art works in Barcelona but I'm not sure if Trafalgar Square is the right place for it. I think that the thalidomide statue could be a bit depressing. But I'm not sure about spending public money on it."

Chris Creissen, a technology recruiter from Parsons Green, said: "I have no objections but I feel that we do have statefunded galleries to showcase art - and we've got enough public art already. I quite like the Lapper-sculpture but then I do like her own art. This is done in a very classical style and I think it's an interesting take."

Of the Sch¸tte work he said: "I wouldn't say I'm wild about it."

Rob Shaw, a 29-year-old town planner from Brixton, said: "I think they look great and I particularly like the Sch¸tte because I am interested in architecture."

Standard reader Iain Thomson, 66, from Ealing, said: "I have nothing against the artist or his subject but it is completely out of keeping with the surroundings."

Circuit judge Sir Mark Havelock-Allan QC, a great, great grandson of Major General Sir Henry Havelock, whose statue stands on the plinth diagonally opposite, said: "My ancestor earned his place in history, along with General Sir Charles Napier and George IV.

"This is a great national meeting place and, when it was created, great figures of national importance were meant to be portrayed there.

"I'm not against modern art but there is no place for it on the empty plinth.

"I feel it should be filled by someone of fitting great stature."

 

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