July - August 2012
The two-metre-tall figures that have appeared on London's streets this week have been created from the last drops of steel left over from the construction of the final support girder of the Olympic Stadium! They are part of Stroll, six individual discovery trails around the city, with the aim of encouraging Londoners and tourists alike to explore the capital on foot. Each outfit represents a different element of the capital's culture.
Wenlock's name is derived from the Shropshire village of Much Wenlock which hosted Wenlock Games that inspired Baron Pierre de Coubertin to create the modern Olympics. Mandeville's name comes from the Stoke Mandeville Games, widely recognised as a forerunner of the Paralympic movement.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "Wenlock and Mandeville are instantly recognisable characters and life-sized embodiments of the excitement of London 2012. "I can't think of a more suitable pair of tour guides to help Londoners, families and tourists alike get to know the capital a bit better and add to the magic of the games during this summer like no other."
Arty Wenlock (shown above), stands guard just outside Tate Modern on the South bank. I photographed Arty and all his other chums during my walk into work the other morning. After the games the sculptures will be auctioned to raise money for charity.
Pirate Wenlock - The South bank
Red Bus Wenlock - Piccadilly
Linen Hall Mandeville - Regents Street
Novel Wenlock - Charing Cross
Pearly Mandeville - Spitalfields
