The RSA project

In 1998 the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) commissioned a series of three works to be displayed temporarily on the Fourth Plinth. They were:

• Ecce Homo by Mark Wallinger (1999)
• Regardless of History by Bill Woodrow (2000)
• Monument by Rachel Whiteread (2001)

Ecce Homo by Mark Wallinger	Regardless of History by Bill Woodrow	Monument by Rachel Whiteread

The aim of these commissions was to refocus attention on the empty plinth, raise awareness of public art, create examples of the types of artwork that could be created for the plinth, and help resolve its long-term future.

The campaign was very successful and led to the Government asking Sir John Mortimer QC to set up an independent committee which, informed by public opinion, unanimously recommended that the plinth should continue to be used for an ongoing series of temporary works of art commissioned from leading national and international artists.

The Mayor of London endorsed this recommendation when he took over responsibility for Trafalgar Square in 1999. A panel of specialist advisors - the Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group - was appointed to guide and monitor a programme of contemporary art commissions.

Visit the RSA's website.