SECRETS BEHIND KINGSTON’S NEW STATUE ‘SAFARI’
Kingston’s town centre could be mistaken as a ‘statue safari’ with elephants, hippos and gorillas popping up all over the place.
Nine sculptures are on display as part of a public art exhibition of stunning wildlife creations by well-known artists Gillie and Marc.
The outdoor exhibition, titled ‘Wild Kingston’ follows the ‘Chimps are Family’ trail last year and is driven by Kingston First, the town’s Business Improvement District and is on until next year, aiming to inspire discussion about conservation efforts.
Gillie & Marc, known for their large-scale public sculptures installed in cities around the globe and created this latest series to raise awareness about the importance of protecting endangered species.
The nine sculptures are be placed along Clarence Street as a public art gallery, offering an interactive trail that encourages visitors to connect with their surroundings in the town centre.
The exhibition is free to the public and will be an ideal activity for families, art enthusiasts, and those passionate about conservation.
Visit Kingston upon Thames to experience the breathtaking sculptures and learn about the wildlife conservation efforts that inspired this exhibition.
Shareena Merzi, Director of Communications and Corporate Development at Kingston First, said: “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Gillie and Marc once again to bring ‘Wild Kingston’ to life in the town centre.
“This exhibition not only raises awareness about wildlife conservation but also breathes new life into Kingston’s public spaces, inviting residents and visitors alike to engage with art in an accessible, interactive way.
“By activating the town centre with these beautiful sculptures, we hope to inspire meaningful conversations, foster community connections, and make Kingston an even more vibrant and welcoming place.”
Gillie and Marc, award-winning artists of the ‘Wild JKingston’ sculptures said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be returning to Kingston upon Thames with our new collection of sculptures, following the incredible success of our ‘Chimps are Family’ exhibition.
“This exhibition is one of our most exciting yet, featuring some of our most interactive pieces, including our iconic Dogman and Rabbitwoman, alongside sculptures of the world’s most endangered species.
“Kingston has a special place in our hearts, and we can’t wait to share this collection with the community, bringing awareness to wildlife conservation in a way that connects and inspires people of all ages.”
Gillie & Marc are passionate environmentalists and deeply committed to wildlife conservation, working with organisations like World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to bring attention to endangered species.
As the UK’s first Business Improvement District (BID), Kingston First has been driving initiatives to support the commercial success of the business community in Kingston since 2005 delivering exceptional services that ensure Kingston is a thriving and attractive environment to do business in, as well as a vibrant and exciting destination for people to visit, shop, learn, live and work in.
For more information visit: www.kingstonfirst.co.uk