Memorial day - 19

The last few weeks I have blogged about the most recent public art installed and memorials unveiled in London. Today's subject was officially unveiled on 23rd September 2007. It is the memorial to Laurence Olivier, newly installed outside the Royal National Theatre and faces the auditorium in the National that bears Olivier's name.

The bronze statue of Laurence Olivier as Hamlet, was created by the sculptor Angela Conner. Its installation is part of a series of events to celebrate the centenary of the legendary actor's birth.

More than 200 donors, mainly theatre and film people and institutions, contributed to the Laurence Olivier Centenary Statue Appeal.

Lord Olivier (born 22 May 2007, died 11 July 1989) was one of the most famous and revered actors of the 20th century. A winner of an an Academy Award, Golden Globe, Emmy and BAFTA. He was one of the founders of the National Theatre and became its first Director at the Old Vic before the current complex was constructed as part of the South Bank Arts Centre opened in October 1963.

Angela Conner (born 1935) is known for her kinetic sculpture. The works utilises natural elements like water, sun, gravity or wind to create mobiles.