Unveiling date announced for London’s Fourth Plinth
A new sculpture by New York based artist Tschabalala Self will be unveiled on London’s Fourth Plinth on 10 September 2026. Lady in Blue will be the 16th Fourth Plinth commission since the programme began in 1998 and will follow on from Mil Veces un Instante (A Thousand Times in an Instant) by Teresa Margolles, which is currently in situ.
The sculpture pays homage to a young, metropolitan woman—a quotidian figure—reflecting many of today's Londoners. The work was inspired by a desire to bring a contemporary 'everywoman' to Trafalgar Square. Made of bronze, the work will be patinated with Lapis Lazuli blue, a rare and refined pigment that has been used since antiquity
Self was announced as winning the commission in March 2024, along with Andra Ursuţa whose work will be unveiled on the Fourth Plinth in 2028. The artists were independently chosen by the Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group, chaired by Ekow Eshun OBE. The public were invited to have their say on the shortlisted artworks and over 10,000 comments were received. These helped to inform the decision of the commissioning group.
Tschabalala Self said: “My work Lady in Blue will bring to Trafalgar Square a woman that many can relate to. She is not an idol to venerate or a historic figurehead to commemorate. She is a woman walking forward into our collective future with ambition and purpose. She is a Londoner, who represents the city’s spirit. I have London to thank for so many milestones in my practice. I had my first institutional show here, and later the first presentation of my first major painting series. The city has truly supported my artistic development and is the best possible home for this powerful figure.”
Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries said: “The Fourth Plinth is the world’s most renowned sculpture commission and Lady in Blue by Tschabalala Self will be a powerful contribution to the series. Her bold contemporary sculpture of a confident young woman will be a striking addition to this historical part of our city, inspiring Londoners, tourists and art lovers alike.”
The Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square is one of the most important art commissions worldwide, putting new work by internationally renowned artists into the heart of London. 15 works have been displayed on the iconic site since Ecce Homo by Mark Wallinger was unveiled in 1999.
Tschabalala Self is an artist working across painting, printmaking and sculpture. Her practice explores representations of the human figure, with a particular focus on women, using sewn, printed, and painted materials. Born in New York in 1990, she lives and works in New York.
Lady in Blue will be a highlight of London Sculpture Week (19-27 September 2026), a city-wide collaboration that brings together five must-see cultural initiatives: Frieze Sculpture, the Fourth Plinth, East Bank, Sculpture in the City and The Line. Now in its fifth edition, this celebration of sculpture will feature public art in key locations across the capital, emphasising London's role as a vibrant cultural hub.
The Fourth Plinth is funded by the Mayor of London with support from Arts Council England and Bloomberg Philanthropies
Notes to editors
The Fourth Plinth was initiated by the RSA in 1998 and is now one of the most important art commissions in the world. The programme invites world-class artists to make original work for Trafalgar Square, with a new sculpture installed on the Fourth Plinth every two years. The independent Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group makes the final decision on the shortlist and the winning works that are displayed.
It is funded by the Mayor of London with support from Arts Council England and Bloomberg Philanthropies, however the Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group is completely independent. An established part of London’s public landscape, it brings out the art critic in everyone.
The Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group
Iwona Blazwick – Independent Curator and Curator Emerita Whitechapel Gallery
Mick Brundle – Principal, Arup Associates
Jeremy Deller – Artist
Ekow Eshun OBE – Writer, Broadcaster (Chair)
Priyesh Mistry - Associate Curator, Modern and Contemporary Projects, The National Gallery
Eleanor Pinfield – Director, Art on the Underground
Justine Simons OBE – Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries
Matthew Slotover – Publisher and Co-founder Frieze
Jon Snow – Broadcaster
Sabine Unamun – Director, Visual Arts and Museums, London, Arts Council England
Fourth Plinth Commissions
1999: Ecce Homo by Mark Wallinger
2000: Regardless of History by Bill Woodrow
2001: Monument by Dame Rachel Whiteread
2005: Alison Lapper Pregnant by Marc Quinn
2007: Model for a Hotel by Thomas Schuette
2009: One & Other by Sir Antony Gormley OBE
2010: Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle by Yinka Shonibare CBE
2012: Powerless Structures, Fig 101 by Elmgreen & Dragset
2013: Hahn/Cock by Katharina Fritsch
2015: Gift Horse by Hans Haacke
2016: Really Good by David Shrigley OBE
2018: The Invisible Enemy Should Not Exist by Michael Rakowitz
2020: THE END by Heather Phillipson
2022: Antelope by Samson Kambalu
2024: Mil Veces un Instante (A Thousand Times in an Instant) by Teresa Margolles
About Bloomberg Philanthropies
Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organisation focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, Facebook, and X.
About London Sculpture Week
London Sculpture Week is a city-wide collaboration that brings together five must-see cultural initiatives: Frieze Sculpture, the Fourth Plinth, East Bank, Sculpture in the City and The Line. The week-long initiative honours artists who challenge the boundaries of their craft, fosters connections between the city and its residents through accessible programs such as public art tours, family workshops, a joint symposium, and artist performances, and offers a unique opportunity to enjoy remarkable outdoor sculptures in an urban setting. Bloomberg Connects will act as the Official Digital Guide for London Sculpture Week, and visitors can explore the full program of participants using the free app.