Trafalgar Square's fourth plinth statue of a pregnant Alison Lapper
Alison Lapper Pregnant was an unusual statue displayed between 2005 and 2007 on the so-called 'Fourth plinth' in Trafalgar Square, which is occupied by a changing set of artworks.
It features a full body self-portrait of the subject. Lapper, who was born without arms and with shortened legs, is shown seven months pregnant.
Artist Marc Quinn observed that ancient statues whose limbs had fallen off were now often highly regarded. His aim was to create equally beautiful representations of bodies born naturally in that way. He saw Alison Lapper - also an artist - as a very suitable subject and collaborator. During their discussions, she informed him she was now pregnant. His reply was, 'That's even better!' In November 1999, Lapper went to Quinn's studio to have a cast made.
The sculpture was made of Carrara marble. A large replica featured in the 2012 Summer Paralympics opening ceremony.
Quinn believed the placement of Lapper amongst Trafalgar Square's statues of historical figures would be a ‘monument of the future.' He felt it was a celebration of someone who had conquered their own circumstances, as opposed to those who had conquered the outside world.
The statue has also been criticised for exploiting the shock value of disability. It has been considered to embody the stereotypes of disability being perceived as heroic, tragic and freakish. On the other hand, others have interpreted the piece as adding a new dimension to the public perception of statues, what they stand for and the figures they display.
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