Hunting for Gorillas in Covent Garden (True Story)
This post is sponsored by Covent Garden
With the school Summer Hols stretching out in front of me for miles, I’ve been curating a carefully edited list of REALLY GREAT THINGS to do in London, either by myself, with Izzy or as a family.
One of the best free events I’ve come across is the Tusk Gorilla Trail at Covent Garden, in partnership with African conservation charity, Tusk and Westbrook Gallery.
15 life-sized gorilla sculptures are hidden across the Covent Garden neighbourhood – next to cafes, on the Piazza and down twisty side streets… you need to keep your peepers peeled! You can download illustrated and digital maps here and go hunting for them. It’s an actual gorilla hunt. And they’re stunning.
Sally Wood – Precious – This gorilla has been inspired by the highly endangered Silverback gorillas and how precious they are. 
Hannah Shergold – Respect the Family – For this piece I have played with the idea that if the gorilla could communicate its own values, beliefs and sense of humour through tattoo art. What would it say?
The collection has been curated by Westbrook Gallery and 15 artists, designers and ambassadors have collaborated on designing these amazing sculptures. Collaborators include folk like Ronnie Wood, John Cleese and Rankin – all have donated their time and creative skills to help raise awareness and funds for Tusk.
For over thirty years, Tusk has supported forward-thinking and successful conservation intervention in Africa and this exhibition is raising money to support gorilla conservation across Africa.
“Despite facing some of the greatest challenges to international conservation in history, Tusk continues to be a shining light in what are tragically dark times for Africa’s wildlife.”
-HRH The Prince of Wales
Mr Jago – The Guardian – The Guardian reflects glimpses of the flora, fauna and insect life, which he has protected for thousands of years, and which he aspires to protect, for many years to come. 
PURE EVIL – Forest Camo Gorilla – PURE EVIL’s gorilla sculpture serves as a powerful symbol, shedding light on the precarious situation faced by mountain gorillas due to the threat of poaching.
Cleverly, you can donate by scanning the QR code on the plinths of all the gorillas and they will also all be auctioned off this Autumn with 100% of the proceeds going to Tusk.
I went on my own and made a day of it – there is just so much to do in this corner of London – I could have (and have done many times before) spent the day just wandering – down Neal Street, Monmouth and Earlham St etc. The Tusk Gorilla Trail is the cherry on top of an already incredible experience. Covent Garden has a huge offering and is London’s most original shopping, food, culture and lifestyle destination, with a myriad of beautiful brands and independent stores dotted across the whole neighbourhood – put it at the top of your list for visiting when you’re next in London! Covent Garden itself is on Instagram, so do give them a follow to stay in the loop of what’s going on in the area – @CoventGardenLdn.
Ollie Quinn 
Neal Street
I mooched about in the streets and shops, ducked into cafes and slurped iced mochas from Neal Street Espresso as I hunted for gorillas and tried not to get distracted by ALL THE GORGEOUS DRESSES I kept walking past. But it was no good – I popped into GOOD and bought a gorgeous vintage St Michael’s dress, which was calling my name. (To clarify, there was nothing I could do – it was out of my control).
I may or may not have devoured this in 37 seconds. 
Neal Street Espresso
I scoffed pizza from Homeslice, indulged in much street entertainment and window shopping and I people-watched to my heart’s content.
I had a gorgeous, gorgeous day and can’t wait to go back again with Izzy – the trail is running until mid October and I am plotting my return!
See you there?
