The Crown star Imelda Staunton has unveiled a giant hyper-real sculpture of a homeless person outside King's Cross Station.
Face mapping technology combines the features of 17 homeless people on the 4.3 metre high figure named Alex, to create a powerful statement that those without a secure roof over their heads this winter should not be ignored.
Staunton, who lives in West Hampstead is an ambassador for homeless charity Crisis, which commissioned the statue. She was joined by Jonathan Pryce, her on screen husband in Netflix series The Crown which sees them play The Queen and Prince Philip.
To reinforce the humanity of rough sleepers, special effects prosthetics expert Sophie de Oliveira Barata based the sculpture on people who have been supported by Crisis. QR codes nearby lead passers by to the charity's website to donate.
The sculpture will then move to Birmingham to raise awareness that 300,000 households could be forced into rough sleeping, sofa surfing or temporary accommodation next year due to the cost of living crisis.
Staunton commented: "The intention of this incredibly lifelike sculpture is simple: homelessness cannot be ignored any longer. The cost of living crisis and rising rents are exacerbating an incredibly difficult situation and Crisis’ research highlights as many as 300,000 households could be homeless next year, a shocking scenario. As a nation we need to do better and this Christmas, we can all be part of that change. This installation stands as a rallying cry, we cannot sit idly by and watch the situation worsen.”
Barata said: “I’ve been incredibly privileged to bring this sculpture to life. It’s been a fascinating process harnessing artificial intelligence to create a face that represents homelessness, a problem that all too many of us ignore and struggle to engage with. I sincerely hope it makes the desired impact and stops everyone in their tracks so they have no choice but to reflect and hopefully support this wonderful charity.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here