The statue interpretation panels

About the interpretation

The interpretation is expert and community led. Since summer 2020, we have listened to people’s views on whether the statues should be on display and how to present them in public.

For the interpretation design, we sought the views of people and communities who frequently pass by the statues. People told us they wanted the focus to be on telling fuller stories of these men.

We have worked with a range of experts and community groups to inform this work. To read more, visit our interpretation process page.

These interpretation panels were installed in November 2023. The text on the panels sets out facts that tell the stories of the men’s lives in the context in which they lived. The stories show their philanthropy and the source of their wealth, including the connection to the trade of enslaved people. They also reflect British society at the time. 

Sir Robert Clayton interpretation panels

The statue of Sir Robert Clayton by Grinling Gibbons sits outside St Thomas’ Hospital.

Click an image to view in PDF format.

Thomas Guy interpretation panels

The statue of Thomas Guy by Peter Scheemakers sits within a central courtyard outside Guy’s Hospital.

Click an image to view in PDF format.