Statue of Nelson Mandela, Parliament Square

The bronze statue of Nelson Mandela in Parliament Square holds a unique place in London history because it is the only one in the square that was erected while the person it depicts was still alive. Standing nine feet tall, the sculpture captures Mandela with his arms outstretched, as if he is addressing the very center of British political life. It was unveiled in August of two thousand seven with Mandela himself in attendance to witness the moment. The sculpture is the work of artist Ian Walters, who had actually sat with Mandela in two thousand one to create a model for the piece. Walters finished the clay sculpture before his own death in two thousand six, meaning he did not live to see his final bronze creation cast and installed in London. The statue remains highly distinctive for its low plinth, a design choice specifically intended to keep the figure feeling accessible and connected to the people walking through the square.