A new public artwork has arrived in Harley Street – and it’s already turning heads. The Friends Forever Bench has been created by internationally renowned artists Gillie and Marc, has been installed in the north-east corner of Cavendish Square as part of a wider effort to bring interactive, accessible art to the area.
The bench is more than just a place to sit. Designed as a contemporary sculpture, it features the artists’ famous characters Rabbitwoman and Dogman. Positioned on either side of the bench, the figures invite people to sit between them, encouraging conversation and connection between friends, colleagues, and even strangers.
Known as the Friendship Bench, the piece celebrates the story of Rabbitwoman and Dogman—two opposites who became lifelong companions. Together, they represent themes of diversity, acceptance, and unity. The installation aims to promote these values by providing a space where people can pause, reflect, and connect.
New ‘Friends Forever Bench’ Installed on Harley Street
Gillie and Marc Schattner, the husband-and-wife team behind the sculpture, are globally recognised for their large-scale public artworks, many of which focus on love, equality, and conservation. Their work has been showcased in cities across the world, including London’s Battersea and New York City’s Financial District.
The Harley Street installation is part of a global series supported by councils, developers, and cultural institutions committed to promoting inclusive public art. The bench is now in place and open to the public. Visitors are encouraged to take a seat, enjoy the surroundings, and perhaps even start a conversation with someone new.
Public Realm & Wayfinding is a key strategic theme for the Harley Street BID. We are committed to enhancing the wellbeing of visitors, employers, employees and residents in and around the Harley Street area by improving our public spaces and making it easier for people to navigate the area with confidence.
Our goal is to make every experience of Harley Street a positive one—so much so that people want to share it with others. Whether someone is arriving for work, a medical appointment, or simply exploring, we want them to feel welcomed, oriented, and inspired.
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