Audlem man on Trafalgar Square plinth

Joseph Bloor, brought up in Kinsey Heath and educated at Buerton School, was standing on the fourth plinth in London's Trafalgar Square this morning from 5.00am until 6.00am as part of a programme of citizens taking their place on the empty plinth beside Nelson's Column.

Joseph said last night, and we think it was largely directed at London based friends: "I realise it's not the best time slot for people to come down and watch. But if you feel like getting up really early or staying up all night long, come down to offer a little support.

"I won't be surprised if the Square is empty, and the weather looks cloudy. But the sun will be rising whilst I am up there."

Over the period 6th July – 14th October 2009 – for a hundred consecutive days – 2,400 selected members of the public will each spend one hour on the plinth. They are allowed to do anything they wish to and are able to take anything with them, provided they can carry it unaided.

You can find out more on www.oneandother.co.uk where you click on 'plinthers' and then find his entry for today -it starts off with the end of the person before but he is there a couple of minutes in. There are plenty of plugs for local schools in his profile! Scroll down to read much about Joseph's life in Audlem.

Antony Gormley, the artist who conceived the idea, has said: "In the context of Trafalgar Square with its military, valedictory and male historical statues, this elevation of everyday life to the position formerly occupied by monumental art allows us to reflect on the diversity, vulnerability and particularity of the individual in contemporary society. It's about people coming together to do something extraordinary and unpredictable. It could be tragic but it could also be funny."

And you can't say more than that!

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