Statues in London including Lord Nelson have been given new designer hats as part of the London 2012 Festival. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

London 2012: Lord Nelson and Sir Winston Churchill statues get new hats for Olympics

Tuesday, July 31, 2012
8:05 AM

Famous London landmarks were given a makeover in the form of designer hats as part of the London 2012 Festival.

Twenty of the capital’s icons, including Lord Nelson and Sir Winston Churchill, were given new headwear created by top designers.

The project, called Hatwalk, is part of London Mayor Boris Johnson’s bid to encourage people to research and learn about sculptures of famous figures in the capital.

After 18 months of planning, the hats were placed on statues including William Shakespeare, Robert Burns, Queen Victoria and the Duke of Wellington.

Mr Johnson said: “Our city is a melting pot of creativity...the cutting edge style and imagination of London’s millinery talent is feted worldwide.

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the heritage of British millinery and its contribution to our fair city by dressing our most noble of statues, including our most heroic son, Nelson.”

The hats will be auctioned off to raise money for the Mayor’s Fund for good causes.