UNITED KINGDOM: London's Trafalgar Square sees the unveiling of a giant ship in a bottle

Record ID: 1540173

  • Title: UNITED KINGDOM: London's Trafalgar Square sees the unveiling of a giant ship in a bottle
  • Date: 25th May 2010
  • Summary: NELSON'S COLUMN / CHILDREN SITTING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE COLUMN
  • Embargoed: 9th June 2010 03:20
  • Keywords:
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Topics: Arts / Culture / Entertainment,Light / Amusing / Unusual / Quirky
  • Reuters ID: LVAYATZ2TXH6O65Q78A1Q2G8NUT
  • Aspect Ratio: 4:3
  • Story Text: HMS Victory is the longest serving battle ship in the British fleet. Her proudest moment came in 1805 when at her helm Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson led his navy to victory over the Franco-Spanish fleet in the Battle of Trafalgar.
    On Monday (May 24) the empty fourth plinth in central London's Trafalgar Square celebrated Nelson's achievements as a representation of his famous vessel was unveiled. This was, however, no ordinary replica. This 4.7 by 2.8 metre scale model is a giant ship in a bottle and it sits under the watchful eye of Nelson's statue atop his famous column.
    London's Mayor Boris Johnson was on hand to unveil the epic work of art with a quip.
    ''This sculpture vividly and poetically hints at the central reason why Nelson was able on that magnificent day in 1805 to defeat the Franco-Spanish fleet, despite having fewer ships, fewer guns and half as many men. How did he do it ladies and gentlemen? ... What quality did he posses that enabled him to rout Napoleon's fleet, establish British mastery of the sea and pave the way for the 1807 act to abolish the transatlantic slave trade, what did Nelson have in addition to the Nelson touch? ... He had a lot of bottle ladies and gentlemen, he had a lot of bottle,'' said Johnson.
    This latest commission for the plinth was created by Nigerian-born artist Yinka Shonibare and unveiled on the eve of Africa Day. The piece was commissioned to reflect on the historical significance of Trafalgar Square and to bring a contemporary perspective to this chapter in British history.
    The ship's 37 sails are made of patterned fabric often associated with African dress and are meant to symbolise African identity and independence. The piece is designed to encourage viewers to consider the legacy of British colonialism and Britain's expansion in trade and empire in the nineteenth century. Nigerian multi-national Guaranty Trust Bank chose to sponsor the event in the year of Nigeria's 50th anniversary of independence from British colonial rule.
    Artist Yinka Shonibare explained what inspired his endeavour.
    ''So I was thinking about Nelson's achievements and also the legacy of Nelson. Of course if you look around you in London now it's a very global, multi-cultural city, a very dynamic, creative city. Part of that is a result of Nelson's legacy, so when the British did win that battle they had more contact with the rest of the world and so hence the city you've got today,'' said Shonibare.
    Mayor Boris Johnson commented on the message in this bottle and what the piece means for London.
    ''I think the message encapsulated in this bottle is that London is the greatest artistic and cultural capital on earth, that it brings together all sorts of nations, cultures, races and you will find in London the most elegant fusion, combination of the old and the new,'' said Johnson.
    As the sun shone down passers-by were intrigued by the new addition to this popular tourist attraction.
    ''I think it's wonderful, it's very unique and very creative. I'm particularly proud because Yinka Shonibare has Nigerian roots, I'm a Nigerian, and it's good to see Nigerians being feted for doing good things. So I'm really excited about it,'' said Nigerian visitor Obafela Bank-Olemo.
    ''It's absolutely brilliant, we were just wondering how they managed to get the whole ship in the bottle. I think it's very creative I don't know who came up with that kind of idea but I'm sure he's a very intelligent person," said South African tourist Eric Sibanda.
    The more traditional plinth incumbents are statues of King George IV and military leaders such as General Napier. In such distinguished company Nelson's Ship in a Bottle makes a sharp contrast and brings a contemporary breath of fresh air to this famous landmark.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2011. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
  • Usage Terms/Restrictions: Footage contains identifiable children: users must ensure that they comply with local laws and regulations governing the publishing of this material.
Register