Museum of London hopes to acquire both the Trump Baby Blimp and the Sadiq Khan Blimp as part of their permanent collection

2018 was the year of the blimp. In July last year, Londoners took to the streets to protest President Trump’s visit to the UK. To mark this moment, an over-sized balloon of the President was flown above Parliament Square and was dubbed the “Trump Baby Blimp”. In quick response, a Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan balloon was also created and floated in the capital protesting against some of the Mayor’s policies and advocating the right for Londoner’s freedom of speech.

This week the President of the United States will make his state visit to London and the UK, with the giant balloon taking to the streets once again – a recent symbol embodying public sentiment at a controversial moment in the capital’s history. We are yet to hear if the Sadiq Khan balloon will make another appearance.

Now the Museum of London is announcing its ambition to acquire both balloons as part of their permanent collection to mark the moment and hopes to reach out to both creators shortly.

London has played host to many historic protests. From the Suffragettes of the early twentieth century to the anti-austerity marches, free speech and climate change rallies – the capital has always been the place to have your say.

If acquired, the balloons will join the Museum of London’s protest collection which comprises objects relating to the Suffrage movement 100 years ago, banners, flags, and tents that belonged to Brian Haw who used to actively protest outside the Houses of Parliament, as well as recent placards used by protesters against public spending cuts.

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