Private Eye Editor Ian Hislop unveils new Marble Arch art installation

Private Eye editor Ian Hislop unveiled a new art installation in Marble Arch.

Created by world-renowned horticultural artist Tony Heywood, the installation marks the anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

The ‘human rights greenhouse’ has the thirty articles of the UDHR emblazoned on it.

This innovative work was unveiled today on 10 December, World Human Rights Day, by Private Eye Editor, Ian Hislop at an inauguration also attended by the Leader of Westminster Council, Adam Hug.

The boulders are by the pioneering ‘stone-balancing artist’ Adrian Gray, who first came to Heywood’s attention when he mounted a ‘guerrilla, stone-balancing happening’ at London’s high-end Frieze Art Fair.

Speaking at the event, Adam Hug, Leader of Westminster Council, said: "It is a fantastic sculpture that can be enjoyed both by the local community and visitors alike. I hope that this installation will be a place of reflection and a source of inspiration that will both educate and raise awareness about the importance of human rights.

“This greenhouse is an important reminder that we can all do more, and that we should not turn a blind eye to injustice when we see it in our communities or around the world."

Also speaking at the event, Tony Heywood described the intent behind the installation: "The greenhouse to a horticulturalist is the equivalent of a temple, it's a place of nurture and care. In the centre are the two large monoliths threatening the greenhouse itself. The idea is that the Earth is in balance; if they should fall, then there is no humanity."

The work has a strong educational mission, as materials produced by the UN Office of Human Rights are available via a QR code at the site. There is also a video recording of actor, Miriam Margolyes, reading the entire UDHR. Chris Gunness, whose Myanmar Accountability Project has supported the initiative says “my hope is that schools, colleges, community organisations, faith-based groups and others will visit the site, be inspired by the work, and explore the very rich information pack on offer”.