The statue representing Steven Spielberg's 1993 blockbuster hit was commissioned by Now TV and titled #JurassicJeff
On Wednesday 18th July a dinosaur-sized 25ft 150kg figure named 'Jurassic Jeff' resembling the Hollywood actor Jeff Goldblum appeared at Potter's Field situated on the bank of The River Thames with Tower Bridge as it's back drop. The statue was commissioned by telecommunications provider Now TV who tweeted at 5am that morning to announce it would remain there until dinner time the following day.
The figure took the artists six weeks and over 250 hours to create but I'm sure you will agree, it was a welcomed gift whilst it was present. The news quickly spread and #JurassicJeff soon became a tourist attraction. There was even a marked spot for the perfect selfie and visitors where encouraged to post their photos across social media using the hashtag whilst relaxing on the bank on branded beanbags and deckchairs admiring the new edition and view.
The monument of Jeff is of him in character as Dr Ian Malcolm in the film Jurassic Park, the first in line to the sequels, in the iconic sexy pose laying on his side with his shirt unbuttoned baring his bare chest. The pose has become the subject of numerous memes which have gone viral and now a quarter of a century later the image replicated to commemorate twenty five years of Steven Spielberg's 1993 blockbuster hit. Anyone else feeling nostalgically old?
Talking about the 90's... I also visited the eighties / nineties themed Cereal Killer Cafe in Bricklane, East London in Shoreditch on Tuesday which is a more permanent fixture and a 'must visit'. To read that blog entry, click here.