Wendy Taylor CBE

About Wendy Taylor

Wendy Taylor was one of the first artists of her generation to 'take art out of the galleries and onto the streets'. Her impressive range of large-scale, site-specific sculptures, such as Timepiece at Tower Bridge, now total over seventy - probably more original permanent sculptures on public display than any other living British artist.

Three Dung Beetles [2000]
Bronze - Editions 5, 6 & 7 of 10
Donated by the artist 2006

MY FAVOURITE WORK: RUTH ALLWOOD, FORMER EVENTS & CATERING MANAGER

My favourite pieces of artwork are the bronze beetles at the bottom of the Dome staircase.

The beetles are tucked away, almost out of sight and visible only when approached directly from the lower corridor, or by peering over the edge, or through the rails of the stairs on the way down from the Dome. They are always a feature of site visits that I do for the Dome, and I've seen reactions of surprise, delight and sometimes shock when people catch sight of them as they look over into the stairwell. They are beautifully framed by the curving staircase and the contrast of dark, textured bronze against the pale, smooth marble is striking.

They are one of the few artworks we have that we are allowed to touch: they have a wonderful range of textures, and are always cool no matter how hot it is outside. I always pat one of them as I go past.