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

3 June 2019

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.

-ENDS-


Notes for editors
For more press information please contact Emily Brazee, Media Officer at the Museum of London on 020 7814 5502 / 077 1356 5805 or [email protected].


About The Museum of London
The Museum of London tells the ever-changing story of this great world city and its people, from 450,000 BC to the present day. Our galleries, exhibitions, displays and activities seek to inspire a passion for London and provide a sense of the vibrancy that makes the city such a unique place.

The museum is open daily 10am – 6pm and is FREE to all, and you can explore the Museum of London with collections online – home to 90,000 objects with more being added. www.museumoflondon.org.uk.