First look as life-sized marble Triceratops skull unveiled in Mayfair’s Berkeley Square
A dino-mite Triceratops skull carved from white Carrara marble has been unveiled in Mayfair, with the monumental sculpture now on display in Berkeley Square.
Mayfair has welcomed a striking new landmark: a world-first, life-sized marble Triceratops skull sculpture is on public display in the heart of central London.
Titled Carrara Triceratops Skull, 2025, the monumental artwork has been created by British sculptor Paul Vanstone in collaboration with leading natural history and antiquities gallery David Aaron Ltd. The sculpture is now installed in Berkeley Square as part of the Berkeley Square Public Art Programme, offering Londoners and visitors the chance to experience it free of charge.
Carved from a single 10-tonne block of white Carrara marble, the sculpture stands at an imposing 3.2 metres tall. Inspired by a 68-million-year-old sub-adult Triceratops skull previously exhibited by David Aaron, the work brings prehistoric natural history into one of London’s most elegant Georgian squares.
Positioned at the north end of Berkeley Square, the sculpture will remain in place for the next two years, replacing the much-loved bronze juvenile Tyrannosaurus Rex that previously occupied the site. Vanstone spent 60 days carving the piece, interpreting the distinctive three-horned dinosaur to emphasise its scale, power and presence.
Vanstone, who previously worked as an assistant to Anish Kapoor, is known for transforming monumental stone into sensitive yet commanding works. His sculptures have been shown at institutions including the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum, and for the past 15 years, he has exhibited at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, earning Five Star Awards for his last four presentations.
Speaking about the new Mayfair installation, Paul Vanstone said, “The sculpture is the same size as a sub-adult Triceratops. The idea that these creatures walked this planet, charging at this angle, gives you a strong sense of their presence. I wanted to portray their great scale and power.”
Jonathan Aaron, director of David Aaron Ltd, said the project was about opening up art and natural history to the public: “This installation promotes public access to art and the wonders of the prehistoric natural world, right here in Westminster’s Berkeley Square.”
The artwork also reflects Westminster City Council’s commitment to creative placemaking across the West End. Free public art installations like this aim to bring world-class cultural experiences into everyday London life while enhancing the capital’s streetscape.
Cllr Patrick Lilley, West End ward councillor, said: “I am thrilled to see this amazing public art take its rightful place in the heart of Mayfair for all to see. It’s absolutely wonderful.”
Dinosaurs continue to capture the public imagination, combining awe, nostalgia and scientific curiosity. With Carrara Triceratops Skull, that fascination has been given a distinctly London setting, transforming Berkeley Square into an open-air meeting point between ancient history and contemporary sculpture.
The Carrara Triceratops Skull is now on display at 29 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1J 5BF, and will remain on display for two years.