Public art works in London are guaranteed to arouse your emotions. Installations are fun, quirky and completely unorthodox.

They are also an easy find. As you wander around the city, you are guaranteed to come face-to-face with one or several whimsical pieces.

Curious as to what you might encounter?

Here are a few of the public art structures in London which never fail to grab my attention. I mean it – the novelty truly never wears off. From highly celebrated sculptures that capture mentions across city guidebooks, to the under-rated public art that surely deserve consideration.

Public Art in London: Empire of Mechanical Ants at Vinegar Yard

When retired or abandoned vehicles are yanked out of retirement, some get the second chance at a life of Adventure. They land a ticket to escape the yard and become someone’s inspired conversion project. 

Take a buddy of mine, for example. Paul recently bought an old school bus on Craigslist for dirt cheap (rightly so, given the looks of that clunker.) Months later, after light body work, tasteful interior fittings and a gleaming paint job, he now has a luxury camper van.

Then there’s the old train carriage behind the London Bridge rail station. In its former life, droves of human intruders bombarded its shiny steel doors daily at peak time. Today, it appears to be under a new threat of invasion – this time by giant mechanical ants!

The freakishly large ants are sure to jolt the memory of any non-Gen X’er who has seen the old horror movie, Empire of The Ants.

The art installation is the vision of talented scrap metal British artist, Joe Rush.

Once your heart slows down and your eyes move past the partially-fun, partially panic-inducing work of art, head into open air market Vinegar Yard. Foodies should arrive with an empty stomach. 

Public Art in London: the UK’s Largest Public Artwork is on The Line Sculpture Trail

In the early 2000’s a sculptor and an engineer teamed up. Whether their favourite novels were of mythical creatures ascending from the depths of turbulent seas or slithering through the skies is unsure. But the partnership of Sir Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond certainly brought fantasy to life with the creation of the ArcelorMittal Orbit.

The ArcelorMittal Orbit ascends from the depths of once-Olympic land and pierces the East London skyline. Its body is cloaked in a fiery red – a rebellious streak in the sky.

It was designed for Impact. Considering the stunning medley of sculpture art and structural architecture, many will agree that these enterprising Londoners went above and beyond to meet the challenge. Passed with flying colours.

First introduced to the world ahead of the 2012 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, the ArcelorMittal Orbit is now a major London visitor attraction, located on The Line Sculpture Trail in Stratford.

Fitted with two enclosed viewing platforms, it serves as one of the best viewpoints in London. Visitors to the ArcelorMittal Orbit can gain ticketed admission to both observation decks.

With the introduction of The Slide at ArcelorMittal Orbit in 2016, it has gained even more popularity – especially among families.

Who enjoys a good adrenaline rush? Touted as the world’s tallest and longest slide, hearts will race as you loop around and swoop down the iconic London ride. The only disappointment may be that the slide adventure lasts for less than a minute.

Entertainment aside, you may also be interested to learn this fun fact described on its website regarding sustainability in its construction: “60% of the ArcelorMittal Orbit is made from recycled steel, including washing machines and used cars”. It shares this attribute of recyclability with other art works on the Line Sculpture Trail.

60% of the ArcelorMittal Orbit is made from recycled steel, including washing machines and used cars

Athletes and fans may have long departed Olympic Stadium (now London Stadium) in Stratford, but the ArcelorMittal Orbit remains. It may be a tall order but the swirling giant is clearly committed to serving as the poster child for London’s public art scene.

Public Art in London: Reaching Out on The Line Sculpture Trail

‘Reaching Out’ by Thomas J. Price is the latest installation on the Line Sculpture Trail. Like the ArcelorMittal Orbit and its other distinctive peers on the London art walk, it brings the WOW! factor.

The statue is located on a stretch of land in East London known as Three Mills Island. If you are seeking a true hidden neighbourhood gem in London, then Three Mills is it.

Also read: Three Mills Island in East London: See Time Machines on Water Wheels

The massive Reaching Out sculpture depicts a black woman fully engrossed in her mobile phone. Like the social issues plaguing the UK and the rest of the world, she towers above onlookers. Hers is a defining but non-imposing presence.

The young girl’s fixation with her phone is an eerie reminder of the times we live in, where we are constantly distracted by social media and our various gadgets.

The timing of the sculpture’s debut on the London art walk in the summer of 2020 is fitting.

Public Art in London: Topiary Lawn at Hall Place and Gardens

Our next stop is the London borough of Bexley where art appears in a very unexpected place. Get ready for the lovely spectacle…

Topiary treats await you at the historic Hall Place and Gardens. Your artistic palate will be delighted.

Standing guard over the manicured lawns of this 16th century country estate are an assortment of topiary animals, magnificent both in their size and creative execution.

The ten hedge-sculpted creatures are known as The Queen’s Beasts.

The topiary design at Hall Place is a botanical tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, crafted to resemble the heraldic sculptures featured at Westminster Abbey on her coronation day in 1953.

Those original statues now live in the Canadian Museum of History in Quebec but fortunately for those in the UK, one need only step into the lush gardens of Hall Place to re-imagine the royal display on show all those decades ago. 

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For our next stop, how about we broaden our exploration and take a few steps outside of London…

Public Art Easily Accessible from London: In Step with Pugin

Bonus time! In our quest to discover interesting public artworks, let’s expand our territory with a day trip from London to neighbouring Kent. This journey will lead us to a little-known site of public art.

The Isle of Thanet on the Kent coast has inspired many of England’s renowned artists: in Margate, William Turner painted moody scenes that captured the dynamic characters of the seas and skies, while Charles Dickens filled his own canvas with words in the seaside town of Broadstairs.

Also Read: Viking Coastal Trail, Cycling the Isle of Thanet

Nearby in the town of Ramsgate, one former resident artist – the architect Augustus Pugin – continues to inspire almost two centuries later. 

Visitors to Ramsgate strolling down to the town’s seafront from Madeira Walk will be drawn to a special stairway tucked in the curve of the hill.

The Kent Steps offer a tastefully decorated path of entry to Ramsgate’s Harbour Parade.

25 Pugin-inspired designs are featured on porcelain tiles which now embellish the Kent Steps. They come together in an explosion of colour that are sure to dazzle any passerby. 

The artists are none other than local schoolchildren – many in their early teens. They are the lead creators in a town initiative called “In Step with Pugin”. Their beautiful creations debuted to the public in early 2020.

If you are visiting Ramsgate, consider going on the Pugin Trail, which includes the Kent Steps. Experience the town through an artistic lens, and encounter architectural works either designed or inspired by Pugin. 

Ramsgate is an easy day trip from London via the High Speed train from St Pancras International to Margate or on the Southeastern line.

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It feels like such an immense privilege to wander around the cultural powerhouse of London and enjoy these art exhibitions devoid of crowds. And at absolute no cost (besides light physical exertion). London’s extraordinary public works of art inspire me to seek out more unique designs. Where to next?