Secret plans to build a giant replica of Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue on Primrose Hill were once in the works… but since the Camden New Journal discovered these plans in late January, the story has gone quiet.
The 9-meter-high statue would have been funded by the Brazilian government as a way to promote the 2016 Games and I love the idea. Not because it’s from the Brazilians or because it’s a giant statue of Jesus, I love the idea because in a way it’s a pop-up art exhibit and exploring London’s public art is one of the things that make London great.
But seeing as the Royal Parks maintain Primrose Hill (read: Royal Parks = the Queen’s Parks), I could very easily see London officials and the crown seeing the statue an eye sore and thinking it would take away from the UK’s efforts to make London 2012 a remarkable experience. And I don’t blame them.
Included in the initial reports is that the proposal would go before the Camden planning council in February but according to the organizing group, this was just one idea they were considering.
What do you think? Would a statue promoting Rio 2016 take away from London 2012? What is if it was revealed after the closing ceremony?
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Photo sources (in order of appearance): Londonist (Photo by M@), Daily Mail & LBC 97.3.
