Big Blue Bird

Hahn/Cock, Katharina Fritsch, 2013

This morning Boris Johnson unveiled a giant 15ft blue cockerel entitled 'Hahn/Cock' by German artist Katharina Fritsch - the latest sculpture to take roost on Trafalgar square's forth plinth for the next 18 months. The forth plinth was originally intended to hold an equestrian statue of William IV but due to insufficient funds remained bare for over 150 years. In 1999 the decision was made that it would be used for the temporary display of artworks.

My colleague went down to watch the unveiling this morning, reporting Boris to have been careful to avoid the English half of the sculptures title. He concluded his speech with a dig at David Cameron saying in the future googling the sculptures name would lead to computer meltdown after the prime minister called for greater internet censorship earlier in the week. Jon Snow, broadcaster and member of the fourth plinth commissioning group, said he admired the cockerel's distinguished flurry of tail feathers which point towards the National Gallery. 

The sculpture symbolises regeneration and strength though has been criticised for it's gallic reference, placed right next to Nelson's Column. Boris was having none of it hailing the suitability of it's colour after the birth of our Royal Prince!

Last night I happened to be cycling past so took a photo of him all lit up...