Making a splash

TURTLE SCULPTURES COME TO LONDON FOR OCEAN CONSERVATION

Hot on the heels of 'The Herds' Public art life-size wildlife puppetry project that recently wove through the streets of London and Greater Manchester to highlight Climate Change, UK wildlife conservation charity Tusk are bringing Turtles to the capital to launch the Tusk Turtle Trail in aid of ocean conservation.

Whilst 'The Herds' was a global movement encompassing special events and performances along its 20,000km route from the Congo Basis to the Arctic Circle, London's galleries, landmarks, streets and iconic buildings are the sole backdrops of Tusk's exhibition from 17th July throughout August 2025. Vibrant street art by globally renowned artists and celebrities working together will highlight the beauty of and threats to marine turtles, as well as showcasing the people working tirelessly in Africa for their survival.

Some of the those who have contributed their own sculptures to the Tusk Turtle Trail include The Rolling Stones guitarist and Tusk Ambassador, Ronnie Wood; Dragons' Den entrepreneurs Deborah Meaden and Steven Bartlett; actor and comedian John Cleese and his wife Jen Cleese; legendary photographer Rankin; acclaimed writer-artist Harland Miller and iconic illustrator Ralph Steadman.

Speaking on the importance of raising awareness for marine conservation, Tusk ambassador Deborah Meaden said: "We see wildlife on land, and it triggers emotion: it is visible, tangible, and easy to connect with. The ocean is too often out of mind, and yet it is the beating heart of our planet - the force that sustains all life forms. If the ocean dies, so does the planet. It's that simple, and that urgent."

The Turtle Trail is a collaboration between wildlife conservation charity Tusk, art curator Chris Westbrook, and partners including Art of London, Shaftesbury Capital, and The View from The Shard. It is free to visit, though QR codes will be available on each sculpture for anyone able to make a donation.

Afterwards each piece will be sold in an online auction, with a special live event taking place in October 2025 and all proceeds going towards Tusk's Marine Conservation projects in Africa.

Images: Tusk