London’s West End has been given a playful doodle makeover as Art of London today launches Mr Doodle’s Doodle Discovery, a free art experience bringing five giant Mr Doodle characters to the capital’s cultural heart this summer.
Spanning across Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and St James’s Market, the five two-metre sculptures are covered in bespoke doodles inspired by the places and creative character of London’s iconic West End, with Mr Doodle’s instantly recognisable black-and-white style and bold pops of colour bringing to life the area’s theatres, cinemas, restaurants, galleries and vibrant community spirit.
Running throughout the summer holidays, visitors can discover a bright orange fish adorned with cinema-inspired doodles and a blue robot celebrating community and creativity in Leicester Square; a cheerful yellow flower featuring theatre-inspired doodles and a pink character decorated with art and gallery references in Piccadilly Circus; and a red cyclops in St James’s Market whose doodles celebrate the area’s vibrant food and drink scene.
Together, the sculptures create a lively open-air gallery that offers a different way to explore one of London’s most dynamic cultural neighbourhoods and provide an accessible cultural experience for families, at a time when 75% of parents say visits to museums and galleries are important for family bonding and recreation, according to recent research from Arts Council England.[1]
The launch was marked with a series of public moments, including a special takeover of the famous Piccadilly Lights featuring Mr Doodle’s artwork, the unveiling of a new 5m x 5m wall mural by Mr Doodle in St James’s Market and Doodle with Mr Doodle, a live public event where visitors contributed ideas and drawings that inspired one of the sculptures, completed live by the artist in Leicester Square.
Each sculpture features a QR code linking to a digital map, with visitors who complete the trail able to enter a competition to win tickets to the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition and a meal for four at Gordon Ramsay’s Street Burger.
Known worldwide for transforming everything from sketchbooks to entire buildings with his signature doodle style, Mr Doodle (Sam Cox) has become one of contemporary art’s most recognisable artists. His playful approach has attracted a global following and inspired new ways for people to engage with art through participation, creativity and imagination.
Mr Doodle, Artist, said: “It’s amazing to see my doodle world come to life across the West End. I’ve loved creating characters inspired by the energy, creativity and landmarks of this area, and I hope people have fun spotting the sculptures, exploring the streets and adding a bit of doodle magic to their summer day out.”
Kirsty Tullett-Jones, Director of Marketing & Communications at Art of London, said: “The West End is full of creativity, culture and surprise, and Mr Doodle’s Doodle Discovery brings that spirit to life in such a joyful way. We wanted to create something free, fun and easy for visitors to enjoy during the summer holidays – an experience that encourages people to explore the area, discover something unexpected and enjoy a memorable day out.”
Visitors can also make a full day of their West End adventure with family-friendly experiences at the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery’s Summer Family Festival, and Official London Theatre’s Kids Week, as well as Kids Eat Free offers at restaurants including Jamie’s Italian, Farzi london, Prezzo, and Masala Zone.
The initiative forms part of Art of London’s ongoing commitment to celebrating the world-class arts, culture, entertainment and creativity that make the West End one of London’s most exciting destinations.
