Column points way for river art

It looks like a giant, melted candle. In fact this distorted stone pillar is the latest piece of art to arrive at London?s Somerset House.

The sculpture, by Tony Cragg, an eminent British artist who lives and works in Germany, stands almost 12ft tall. It is one of four three-dimensional pieces in different media and styles which make up the first exhibition in a new series on the River Terrace at Somerset House from Friday.

Made earlier this year from sandstone, the piece, entitled Column, was specially conceived for the terrace, which backs onto the river behind the Strand.

The area, which was closed to the public for over 100 years until it was reopened as a promenade last year, is currently being redeveloped and will eventually contain an Oliver Peyton restaurant and a new glass and stone bridge linking the terrace to Waterloo Bridge.

It is hoped the renovations will see the terrace rival its counterpart on the other side of Somerset House, the Courtyard, which has won international acclaim for its fountains and occasional ice rink since it was restored.

Somerset House is now home to three museums: the Courtauld Institute Gallery, the Hermitage Rooms, and the Gilbert Collection.