Animals in War Memorial

A memorial to all the animals which have suffered and died in war: horses, mules, dogs, elephants, camels, pigeons and canaries and many others. The memorial was inspired by Jilly Cooper's book Animals in war and opened in 2004. The memorial was designed by the sculptor David Backhouse for a landsape setting on a traffic island at the north end of Park Lane (near Brook Gate). The visual peace of the parkland setting, overlooking Hyde Park and one of London's premier addresses, contrasts with the cruel violence of the passing traffic. Busses, taxis and other vehicles escape the congestion of Oxford Street to vent their diesel engines on Park Lane. It is relatively unusual for unpleasant traffic to boost the artistic quality of a work of art. The sculpture is site-related and well-suited to a nation of anumals lovers. The memorial was opened in 2004.

Address: North end of Park Lane, on the pedestrian route from Upper Brook Street to Hyde Park.

HOMEPAGE - Landscape Architecture London List

• 6 months ago Gill Shepherd said

  I love it. The careworn animals approaching the gap, and the free spirits on the other side. Its a passage from this life to the next for the animals too, and from the bearing of heavy burdens to freedom. I wish the horse in particular on the far side was kicking up its heels, like an animal let loose with its saddle off.

• over 1 year ago Penny Smale said

  I didn't know of this superb memorial, and so when I found myself driving past it on a rare visit to London, it had an enormous impact!
  
  I really can not see how it could be improved on, as it is most moving, brilliantly executed, and is perfect in its positioning and imagery!
  
  I am not ashamed to say that just remembering it makes me feel very emotional!
  
  I am so pleased that it saw it 'in the flesh'

• over 3 years ago D. Clark, USA said

  I visited this in 2007. Very moving, and what a wonderful tribute.