Good Things Come to Those Who Wait
Art of London

Art of London commissioned artist and designer, Yinka Ilori MBE to transform Piccadilly Circus with a vibrant installation in August 2024. Ilori’s public art installation brought two winged sculptures inspired by Greek mythology to the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, embellishing the iconic meeting spot with new sculptures for the first time in 132 years. Based on the legendary Greek tale of Pegasus, the immortal winged horse, Yinka Ilori's creation encouraged West End visitors to believe in their ability to make the impossible possible, also mirroring a central theme to Ilori’s work.

Poised majestically at 23 feet high in an ascending galloping pose, Yinka Ilori’s installation, titled ‘Good Things Come to Those That Wait,’ featured two Pegasus figures that soar atop colossal orange and yellow curved plinths emblazoned with uplifting affirmations, empowering the public to achieve their dreams.

Families were encouraged to take part in arts and crafts activities at the Fountain, facilitated by volunteers from the Greater London Authority’s Young Ambassadors programme.

Reimagining the West End as an open-air gallery without walls, Art of London’s collaboration with Yinka Ilori, in partnership with the public art and placemaking agency New Public, underscores its commitment to making art accessible to all by enabling everyone to engage with the installation. Pegasus – whose Greek name means 'spring' – also pays homage to the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain's history as a former free water source until 1939 for members of the public.

Client
Art of London

Practice
Public Art