“Harry Potter” is a globally renowned series of seven fantasy novels written by British author J.K. Rowling. Everyone loves Harry Potter but did you know there is actually a Statue in london of Harry Potter on his broom stick playing Quidditch?
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On September 29, 2020, a bronze statue of Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter was unveiled. It captures the famous moment from “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone” where Harry plays his first Quidditch match. This statue is not just a tribute to a beloved character but a celebration of movie history.
The Magic of Leicester Square: Harry Potter’s Quidditch Statue in London
The statue of Harry Potter captures can be found in London’s Leicester Square and is part of the “Scene’s in the Square” Art Trail. It captures the excitement and magic of Harry’s first Quidditch match, a key moment in the first film.
The Quidditch Statue of Harry Potter
The statue shows Harry flying on his Nimbus 2000 broomstick, a scene that has become synonymous with the character’s bravery and skill.
The Nimbus 2000 was Harry’s first broomstick, a gift that symbolized his entry into the world of Quidditch. The statue captures the thrill of his first match against Slytherin.
Quidditch is more than just a sport in the Harry Potter series; it represents teamwork, strategy, and the thrill of competition. The statue celebrates these themes, making it a meaningful addition to the trail.
The Harry Potter Statue in London’s Leicester Square is easy to find. You can find the statue in the Main Street walk of the Square in full view.
The Artistic Process Behind the Statue
Creating a statue that captures the essence of a beloved character is no small feat. The artistic process involved careful planning and execution. The Sculpter for the statue was Andrzej Szymczyk who’s is an Award-winning sculpture artist based in London.
The statue needed to capture the likeness of Daniel Radcliffe, who portrayed Harry Potter in the films. This required meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the character. Harry Potter even has his round glasses on.
Depicting Harry in mid-flight presented unique challenges for the sculptors. They had to create a sense of movement and excitement while ensuring the statue’s stability and durability.
The Unveiling Ceremony
The unveiling of the Harry Potter statue was a big event, drawing fans and celebrities alike and was hosted by TV presenter Alex Zane.
The ceremony was attended by notable figures from the film industry, as well as fans who had eagerly awaited the statue’s debut.
The statue received an overwhelmingly positive response, with many praising its attention to detail and the sense of magic it brought to Leicester Square.
A Brief History of Leicester Square
Leicester Square has a rich history that goes back to the 17th century. It started as a residential area but changed over the years into a busy hub of entertainment and culture. The square has many theaters and cinemas, making it a key part of London’s West End. Its journey from a quiet residential square to a lively entertainment district shows its lasting appeal.
The “Scenes in the Square” Statue Trail
The Harry Potter statue is part of the “Scenes in the Square” statue trail. This trail celebrates 100 years of movie magic with statues of beloved film characters. It’s a must-visit for movie fans.
Celebrating 100 Years of Movie Magic
The statue trail honors the characters and films that have shaped our culture over the past century. Each statue captures a moment of movie brilliance, immortalizing it in bronze for future generations to enjoy.
Other Iconic Statues in the Trail
The trail features a variety of iconic statues, each representing a different era and genre of film.
Bugs Bunny: The Animated Icon
Bugs Bunny, the wise-cracking rabbit from Looney Tunes, has been entertaining audiences since the 1940s. His statue captures his playful spirit and lasting popularity.
Mary Poppins: Practically Perfect in Every Way
Mary Poppins, the magical nanny who can do it all, is another beloved character immortalized in the trail. Her statue is a nod to the timeless charm of the 1964 film.
Paddington Bear: The Beloved Peruvian Immigrant
Paddington Bear, with his love for marmalade and knack for getting into trouble, has been a favorite of children and adults alike. His statue is a tribute to the lasting appeal of Michael Bond’s creation.
Laurel & Hardy: Comedy Legends
The comedic duo of Laurel & Hardy brought laughter to millions with their slapstick humor. Their statue captures the essence of their unique brand of comedy.
Gene Kelly in “Singin’ in the Rain”: A Dance Classic
Gene Kelly’s iconic dance sequence in “Singin’ in the Rain” is one of the most memorable moments in film history. His statue is a celebration of the magic of musical cinema.
Batman: The Dark Knight
Batman, the caped crusader of Gotham City, has been a symbol of justice and heroism for decades. His statue stands as a testament to the lasting popularity of the superhero genre.
Mr. Bean: The Lovable Buffoon
Mr. Bean, with his quirky antics and lovable personality, has been a source of joy for audiences around the world. His statue captures the essence of his unique brand of humor.
Wonder Woman: The Amazonian Warrior
Wonder Woman, the fierce and compassionate Amazonian warrior, has been an inspiration to many. Her statue is a tribute to the power and grace of this iconic character.
The Harry Potter Phenomenon
The Harry Potter series has had a huge impact on popular culture, captivating audiences with its magical world and unforgettable characters. The books chronicle the life and adventures of a young wizard, Harry Potter, and his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, who are students at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Set in a magical world parallel to our own, the series explores themes of friendship, bravery, and the battle between good and evil as Harry faces the dark wizard Voldemort, who aims to dominate the wizarding world.
The series has captivated millions of readers worldwide and has been adapted into a successful film franchise, theme parks, and other media.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone: A Cinematic Milestone
The release of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone” in 2001 marked the beginning of a cinematic journey that would span a decade and eight films.
The Film’s World Premiere in Leicester Square
The world premiere of the first Harry Potter film took place in Leicester Square, making it a fitting location for the new statue. The premiere was a star-studded event that drew fans from around the world.
The Legacy of the First Film
The success of the first film set the stage for the entire series, establishing Harry Potter as a cultural icon and paving the way for future adaptations.
The Audio Tour Experience
The “Scenes in the Square” statue trail offers a unique audio tour, hosted by Alex Zane, that provides additional insights into each statue.
Alex Zane’s engaging narration takes visitors on a journey through the history of cinema, highlighting the significance of each statue in the trail.
The audio tour includes movie clips, trivia, and behind-the-scenes stories, making it an enriching experience for visitors.
The Cultural Significance of the Statue
The Harry Potter statue is a tribute to a beloved character; it holds cultural significance for fans and the city of London.
The statue marks the 20th anniversary of the first film’s premiere, celebrating two decades of Harry Potter’s impact on popular culture.
Other Harry Potter Places in London
London is full of Harry Potter Things to do! here are my favourites:
Mina lima
This Minalima Harry Potter shop in London is a hidden little gemand a must for all Harry Potter and Fantastical Beasts fans. In Soho in Wardour Street Soho London is the MinaLima Harry Potter shop which is behind the illustrations and the art work for the Harry Potter films. All of the Harry Potter films graphic props were designed by Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima. You can find all of their amazing designs and artefacts here straight out of the Potter films in the heart of London. Find out what inside the house of Minalima in this is the ultimate guide to the House of MinaLima London.
More Harry Potter Film Locations in london
London features several significant locations in the Harry Potter series, both in the books and the films. Key places include:
- King’s Cross Station: The iconic Platform 9¾, where Harry and other students catch the Hogwarts Express to school, is famously located at this real-life train station.
- Leadenhall Market: This historic market was used as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron in the first film, which serves as a gateway between the Muggle world and Diagon Alley.
- Charing Cross Road: In the books, this street is where the Leaky Cauldron is hidden, leading wizards and witches to Diagon Alley.
- Australia House: The interior of this building was used to depict Gringotts Wizarding Bank, where wizards keep their money and valuables secure.
- Millennium Bridge: This modern London landmark is dramatically destroyed by Death Eaters in the opening scenes of “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” film.
- St Pancras International: The exterior of this station is used in the films to represent King’s Cross Station.
- Piccadilly Circus: This bustling area appears in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1” when Harry, Hermione, and Ron run through it to escape Death Eaters.
These locations in London offer fans a tangible connection to the magical world of Harry Potter, blending real-life settings with the enchanting elements of the series.
FAQs
What is the “Scenes in the Square” statue trail?
The “Scenes in the Square” statue trail is a collection of statues in Leicester Square, London, celebrating 100 years of movie magic. It features iconic characters from film history, including Harry Potter, Bugs Bunny, Mary Poppins, and more.
When was the Harry Potter Quidditch statue unveiled?
The Harry Potter Quidditch statue was unveiled on September 29, 2020, in Leicester Square, London.
What moment does the Harry Potter statue capture?
The statue captures the iconic moment from “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone” where Harry plays his first Quidditch match against Slytherin, flying on his Nimbus 2000 broomstick.
Who hosted the audio tour for the “Scenes in the Square” statue trail?
The audio tour for the “Scenes in the Square” statue trail is hosted by Alex Zane, who provides engaging narration and insights into each statue.
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