Quartet, Nottingham

Tucked quietly between Angel Row and Upper Parliament Street, The Quartet is a life-size bronze sculpture that captures a moment of everyday city life in motion. Created by sculptor Richard Perry and unveiled in 1986 by Princess Anne, this group of four wiry figures-two men and two women-was originally installed on the west side of Old Market Square. In 2005, it was relocated slightly north to Chapel Row to make space for Nottingham’s tram line.

The Quartet likely represents shoppers, but more broadly, it reflects the flow of people through urban space-each figure lost in their small gesture: a hand in a pocket, a coat collar held against the chill, a bag casually clutched. Their elongated limbs and understated postures echo the stylings of L.S. Lowry, offering a subtle nod to Britain’s industrial artistic heritage.

Though easy to overlook amid the city’s bustle, the sculpture rewards a closer look. Its understated presence invites passersby to pause and reflect, giving the piece a quiet strength. It was commissioned by Nottinghamshire County Council in partnership with East Midlands Arts and cost £25,000 to complete-seven months of close observation of human behavior cast forever in bronze.

Today, as it stands on its low bronze plinth at the western edge of Old Market Square, The Quartet feels right at home. As Hilary Silvester of the Nottingham Civic Society noted, it now makes for a thoughtful “welcome” or “farewell,” depending on the direction you're headed.