This is the spectacular new bronze sculpture unveiled this month near Marble Arch.
The 11m-tall She Guardian sits next to Cumberland Gate in Hyde Park, and was designed by acclaimed artist Dashi Namdakov.
It depicts a feline female - with blade-sharp wings, snarling jaws and threatening claws - defending her young, and was unveiled by May Halcyon Gallery and Westminster City Council.
The artist said: “It took me more than two years to create She Guardian and I wanted to push the boundaries both in scale, material and movement, her ferocity also revealing the maternal protectiveness toward her young.”
Cllr Robert Davis, deputy leader of Westminster City Council, said: “There is no doubting that this sculpture will dominate the area and might even be scary for some. But public art is about creating excitement, debate and interest.
“Much in the same way as Genghis Khan who previously located at this site, we are sure that She Guardian will be a superb addition to Westminster’s City of Sculpture, and she will sit proudly at one of the main gateways to the centre of the city.”
President of Halcyon Gallery, Paul Green, said: “Westminster City Council’s scheme enables this spectacular sculpture to be placed in one of the most prestigious and unusual sites in the world making it accessible to the general public.”
