A colossal new public artwork has descended upon one of London's most elegant squares, bringing a prehistoric giant back to life in stunning white marble. A life-sized sculpture of a Triceratops skull, carved from a single block of Carrara marble, has been officially unveiled in Mayfair's Berkeley Square, where it will stand for the next two years.
A Monumental Feat of Sculpture
The artwork, titled Carrara Triceratops Skull, 2025, is the creation of renowned British sculptor Paul Vanstone, produced in collaboration with the prestigious natural history gallery David Aaron Ltd. The sculpture forms a key part of the Berkeley Square Public Art Programme, offering free access to all.
Carved from a 10-tonne block of pristine white Carrara marble, the piece is an imposing 3.2 metres tall. Vanstone, a former assistant to Anish Kapoor, spent 60 days meticulously crafting the piece. His inspiration was a 68-million-year-old sub-adult Triceratops skull previously exhibited by his collaborators, David Aaron.
"The sculpture is the same size as a sub-adult Triceratops," Vanstone explained. "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."
Transforming a London Landmark
Positioned at the north end of Berkeley Square, the marble dinosaur now occupies the spot once held by a popular bronze juvenile Tyrannosaurus Rex. This installation reflects Westminster City Council's ongoing commitment to creative placemaking in the West End, aiming to integrate world-class culture into the daily life of the capital.
Jonathan Aaron, director of David Aaron Ltd, emphasised the project's public mission: "This installation promotes public access to art and the wonders of the prehistoric natural world, right here in Westminster’s Berkeley Square."
The local response has been enthusiastic. West End ward councillor, Cllr Patrick Lilley, 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."
A Lasting Legacy in Stone
Paul Vanstone is no stranger to major artistic displays, with works shown at the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum, and a celebrated 15-year run at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. This latest work successfully merges deep natural history with contemporary artistic practice.
The Carrara Triceratops Skull taps into the enduring public fascination with dinosaurs, blending awe, nostalgia, and scientific curiosity. It transforms Berkeley Square into a unique open-air junction where ancient history meets modern sculpture.
The monumental skull is now on permanent display at 29 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1J 5BF. Residents and visitors alike have until the end of 2027 to experience this remarkable fusion of art, history, and geology in the heart of London.
