Hippo in the Thames

On my visit to Battersea Power Station to see Battersea Fire Garden by Carabosse about a week ago now, I took a walk to pay a new visitor a visit. Courtesy of the Totally Thames Festival, a large wooden hippo turned up and made London his home. The sculpture has been created by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman, who is famous for the giant rubber duck that appeared in some Asian countries. The hippo, named 'HippopoThames', is residing in the Thames at Nine Elms and will remain there until the end of the month, when the Totally Thames Festival finishes. The artist was inspired by the river's history in the creation; these animals were once common in the Thames.

The Totally Thames Festival celebrates the river, and in the past, it was simply branded as Thames Festival. It is the last London festival of the summer.

To visit HippopoThames, the nearest station is Vauxhall. Walk down to Nine Elms Lane, along the river, and follow the riverside walk. It is signposted. There's a small garden on the embankment here, and the hippo is located in the river here. Access is free.