New Fifth Plinth work announced as Artists of Morley returns in 2023

A new work by sculptor Patsy Hickman has been chosen to replace Molly Okell’s “Holst Sculpture” on the Fifth Plinth, which sits at the entrance to the Waterloo Centre for Adult Education.

The work – which will debut in 2024 – was selected from a shortlist of four works, which were exhibited in maquette (miniature) form in the Waterloo foyer in early June.

The panel – chaired by professional artist Sokari Douglas Camp and administered by Morley Exhibitions and Gallery Manager Dr Jack Davy – faced a difficult decision.

“We felt that Patsy’s proposal was on balance the most practical, affordable, aesthetically suitable and best reflected the values of Morley,” said Dr Jack Davy. “We were delighted to see the skill and innovation among all the shortlisted entries, and really appreciate the efforts our shortlistees put into creating the maquette and revising their proposals in response to feedback.”

You still have a chance to view the existing sculpture, both in real life at the Waterloo Centre or in virtual reality by exploring the model below:

Artists of Morley returns for 2023

The Fifth Plinth adjudication comes at the start of the Artists of Morley (AOM) season, returning in 2023 after its first outing in 2022.

Chief Marketing and Engagement Officer Matthew Cunningham said: “Artists of Morley brings together 11 end-of-year exhibitions that showcase work by students across the Morley estate – from Chelsea to Waterloo via North Kensington, and from millinery to textiles to painting and drawing.

“It’s a real demonstration of the huge variety and diversity that defines the Morley experience in the visual arts.”

To find out more about each exhibition in the series, go to www.morleycollege.ac.uk/aom or click through our Google Story below: