Tuesday 20 August: Our award-winning cultural initiative Art of London has today unveiled a colourful new installation, transforming Piccadilly Circus into a dreamscape this summer in collaboration with renowned British-Nigerian multi-disciplinary artist and designer, Yinka Ilori MBE.

Titled ‘Good Things Come to Those Who Wait’, Yinka Ilori’s captivating public art installation brings two winged sculptures inspired by Greek mythology to the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, embellishing the iconic meeting spot with new sculptures for the first time in 132 years.

Between 20 and 25 August 2024 West End visitors will discover Yinka Ilori’s latest eye-catching artwork. Based on the legendary Greek tale of Pegasus, the immortal winged horse, Yinka Ilori’s creation encourages West End visitors to believe in their ability to make the impossible possible, mirroring a central theme to Ilori’s work.

Poised majestically at 23 feet high in an ascending galloping pose, the installation features two Pegasus figures that soar atop colossal orange and yellow curved plinths emblazoned with uplifting affirmations, empowering the public to achieve their dreams. The temporary installation is infused with his signature bold and joyful style, transforming the existing Anteros statue while offering a powerful moment of reflection and inspiration.

Families and children will be able to access specially created free colouring sheets of the works to help ignite that spark of creativity and imagination, handed out during lunchtimes and available to download online. West End visitors will also discover Young Ambassadors from the Greater London Authority’s youth programme, ready to share fascinating insights into local history and highlight hidden gems throughout the West End.

Reimagining the West End as an open-air gallery without walls, Art of London’s new collaboration with Yinka Ilori, in partnership with the public art and placemaking agency New Public, underscores its commitment to making art accessible to all by enabling everyone to engage with the installation. Pegasus – whose Greek name means ‘spring’ – also pays homage to the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain’s history as a former free water source until 1939 for members of the public.

Ilori’s mythic artwork marks the beginning of a series of major public-realm initiatives in partnership with Westminster City Council including the Inside Out Festival. West End visitors will experience free art and culture this summer, along with the return of the seasonal arts programme Art After Dark in October, in partnership with the public art and cultural placemaking agency New Public.

Culture seekers can also discover a wealth of spectacular arts destinations using Art of London’s online guides, filled with world-class galleries, theatres, museums, institutions, and pop-ups to explore in the West End.

British-Nigerian multi-disciplinary artist and designer, Yinka Ilori MBE, said: “I cannot wait for people to see and experience my ‘Good Things Come To Those Who Wait’ installation for Art of London. I am always looking for ways to make my work accessible to everyone and am grateful to be able to showcase this project in such an iconic public space. Through my artwork and the legendary story of Pegasus, I hope to inspire people to pursue their dreams, and believe that hope can overcome adversity. Together, we can achieve the impossible!”

Kirsty Tullett-Jones, Director of Marketing and Communications, Art of London, said: “Yinka Ilori’s striking installation, adorning the iconic Piccadilly Circus landmark, allows everyone to experience the West End’s incredible creative energy. Come and discover Yinka’s fresh take on a legendary story at the West End and let London’s cultural heart inspire you.”