If you stroll down Knightsbridge today, you’ll be sure of a big surprise!
From 20 June until 30 August, the public art trail ‘Kids Go Wild’ launches on the in Knightsbridge and on the King’s Road as part of Kensington and Chelsea Art Week.
The Knightsbridge Partnership and King’s Road Partnership have collaborated to launch the free trail which features nine astonishing bronze sculptures created by British and Australian artists, Gillie and Marc, dubbed ‘the most successful and prolific creators of public art in New York’s history’ by the New York Times.
Their highly coveted sculptures have animated over 250 cities across the world, and this summer their project ‘A Wild Life for Wildlife’ will roam the Brompton Road and King’s Road bringing joy and wonder to all ages, but importantly raise awareness for endangered animals, in partnership with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL).
One of the greatest joys and sources of wonder comes from the most natural place, the wild. Animals, forests, lakes, and all the beautiful treats of planet earth are more exciting and healing than anything we have created. Yet the world is currently experiencing the 6th mass extinction.
More and more beautiful creatures are in trouble. The reasons can be linked back to us, humans. Thousands of the most important animals are facing imminent extinction unless we act now. But with the same joy and love that we get from being in these magical places, we can also heal them.
Taking a seat on a tandem bike in Royal Avenue, joining game of chess or throwing a ball in a pool encourages families to become a part of the journey with endangered animals. It allows them to learn and understand why each of these species is in trouble.
- Discover the trail in full:
- Royal Avenue – “They were on a wild ride to a safer place with Rabbitwoman and Dogman”
- Dovehouse Green -“The white rhino was thinking ahead with Dogman’s encouragement”
- Kings Road Curve – “The Grévy’s zebra was on the move to safer ground with Rabbitwoman and Dogman”
- The Lanesborough – “The giant tortoise and Rabbitwoman loved the sound of the wild”
- Outside Stepevi, 282 Kings Road – “The Masai giraffe would stick his neck out with Rabbitwoman’s help”
- Entrance to Timothy Oulton and Bluebird – “The eastern lowland gorilla only shoots photos with Dogman”
- Outside Zara and Harrods in Hans Crescent – “The polar bear and Dogman wanted everyone to stay cool”
- Outside the Everyman Cinema – “The hippo was hungry to try new things with Rabbitwoman”
- Outside Knightsbridge tube station, near EL&N and Harrods – “Dogman and Rabbitwoman”
With QR codes connected with the sculpture, kids and adults will be transported to important information about the different animals’ lives, needs, and threats.
This creates an experience accessible to all, putting wildlife conservation at the centre of people’s cities and lives.
Wildlife conservation is no longer hidden in the outskirts of human society, it is right here in the urban jungle.
We will shortly be launching a downloadable map enabling visitors to discover the trail in full.
To find out more about Kensington and Chelsea Art Week visit www.kcaw.co.uk