Last week under an overcast but still warm London sky, my London Shoes headed off ‘up west’ for the specific purpose of tracking down some ‘Turtles’ !!!!
The “LONDON-TURTLE TRAIL-2025” hit-the-streets on 16th July and comprises of 16 life size turtle sculptures that are displayed at specific locations throughout specific West End streets.
This exhibition of wonderfully colourful Turtle statues has been commissioned by the wildlife conservation charity “TUSK” – who have engaged and worked with a number of celebs, getting each of them to design a ‘Turtle’.
Celebrities such as ex-Faces and current Rolling Stones guitarist ‘Ronnie Wood’ – The Dragons Den dragons ‘Deborah Meaden’ and ‘Steven Bartlett’ – legendary comedian/actor/writer ‘John Cleese’ along with other renowned artists / photographers / illustrators – have all made major contributions to these unique items of street art, by designing their very own ‘Turtles’.
Turtles are actually our oceans oldest animals – they have been around for over 100 million years….and the simple fact is that 6 of the 7 species of turtle on this planet, are currently under serious threat of extinction.
So – the aim of the ‘Turtle Trail’ is to raise much awareness and reflect on marine conservation matters – in an effort to protect today’s turtle population.
London Shoes has, in the past, published a few blog articles on similar conservation awareness projects where sculptures have been displayed on London’s streets – Penguins / Gorilla’s / Rhino’s / Elephants are examples of previous ‘street art’ exhibitions that have been held in the capital.
The Turtles of this 2025 ‘Turtle Trail’ are mainly positioned throughout the streets surrounding Covent Garden – Leicester Square – Piccadilly Circus and one in Carnaby Street. One of the Turtles is actually located at The Shard, but is only viewable if you’ve paid entrance money to go up the Shard……a bit cheeky that – not very ‘by the people for the people’ in my opinion.
The ’Turtle Trail’ will be on-the-streets until September – I’m not quite sure of the exhibitions specific final date, but I’m assuming it will be in situ throughout the school summer holiday period.
There is a ‘Trail Map’ available to download – that guides you to the locations of each of the 16 Turtles – but be warned – the map tells you the ‘area’ where each turtle is located – but it doesn’t always go into detail of exactly ‘where’ it is, in terms of the street and actual spot – so if you’re not careful, you can easily veer off the trail and find yourself a considerable distance away from your next intended location…..which happened on several occasions to poor old London Shoes.
Upon conclusion of the exhibition, each Turtle will be auctioned off – with the proceeds going to support various worldwide marine conservation projects.
For this very enjoyable jaunt out, I had the pleasure of being accompanied by Karen, who I worked with, albeit briefly, at the East Ham High Street North branch of Barclays Bank – well over 40yrs ago now!!!!
Karen has been a long-time loyal follower of my ‘Shoes’ stuff, right from its outset in 2017, and like me, shares a passion for all things London – the more unusual and lesser known and quirkier…… the better!!!
Throughout the day, my step-counter (blimey – I sound like right a nerd here) confirmed that we’d pounded over 10 miles of London pavement – took a few wrong turnings here and there and went right off track on a couple of occasions – but, eventually got the job done, tracking down 14 of the 16 Turtles (omitting the one up the Shard, and one outside the National Portrait Gallery…..which had ‘gone missing’).
Not only is an initiative like the ‘Turtle Trail’ a great way of exploring London streets – it’s also something entertaining for kids, because little ones (if they’re anything like my grandkids) love a map to read to help locate or find something.
In fact, every Turtle we tracked down, was surrounded by children with their parents – having their photos taken with a Turtle – and then checking the map to establish which direction they need to head off to, to find the next one.
Having located our 14th and final Turtle, me and Karen – found ourselves in the Charing Cross Road at its Tottenham Court Road end. We were in desperate need of some liquid refreshment – and so we thought we’d pop in to the rather unique pub called “The Montagu Pyke” for a couple of beers and a bowl of chips.
In 1996 the ‘Montagu Pyke’ opened as London’s West End’s very first ‘Wetherspoons’ pub.
The pub building originally opened in 1911 as “Pyke’s Cambridge Circus Cinematograph Theatre” – and it was the 16th and last of a network of cinema’s opened by cinema pioneer businessman Montagu Pyke who owned a load of cinema’s across London.
In 1915 a serious fire, in which an employee was killed, caused considerable damage to the building. It reopened that same year as the ‘Super Cinema’ – and over the following decades it traded under several different names, ending up as a 3 x screen Cannon Cinema.
In 1988 the building became home to the iconic Marquee Club live music venue, when it moved from its previous Wardour Street base – and today its layout and decor still retains its cinema / music venue vibe.
So – that’s the ‘Turtle Trail-2025’ for you – great fun for kids and adults alike, and a good way of exploring and learning about some London streets, that you may not normally visit.
Hope the accompanying photos brought the story to life a bit for you
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See below the entire gallery of photos taken to accompany this blog article
The London “Turtle Trail” – runs from July 16th 2025 to September 2025 (exact closing date, not known)
A trail map is available to download – but, be warned – this doesn’t actually provide the ‘exact’ location of each Turtle – just the area and the nearest major street.
The “Don’t Let Go” Turtle by artist Andrew Scott – that is on display down by Pall Mall – Andrew Scott is a highly acclaimed American contemporary artist.
Another view of the “Don’t Let Go” Turtle – down in Pall Mall
Another view of the “Don’t Let Go” Turtle – down in Pall Mall
‘Around the World in 80 Days’ Turtle – by Mauro Poruchetti – a minimalist and pop art specialist – his turtle can be found down in Piccadilly, next door to the Ritz Hotel
Another view of the “Around the world in 80 days” Turtle – down in Piccadilly
Me – alongside the “Around the world in 80 days” Turtle – down in Piccadilly
‘Trevor the Turtle’ by Magda Archer – that is situated near the Haymarket. Magda Archer studied at Ravensbourne College of Art, Chelsea School of Art and The Royal College of Art. Her works rose to critical & commercial acclaim in 1988-1998.
Story Boards with accompanying QR Codes are displayed next to each individual Turtle – so that you can find out more detail concerning the concept of each turtle and its designer. This is the one attributed to Trevor the Turtle by Magda Archer
Another view of the “Trevor the Turtle”– located in the back streets surrounding Piccadilly
For this particular ‘Shoes’ venture I had the pleasure of being accompanied by my good friend Karen, who I worked with at the East Ham High Street North branch of Barclays Bank – well over 40yrs ago now!!!! – This is us alongside ‘Trevor the Turtle’ down in Piccadilly
The iconic ‘Eros’ statue in Piccadilly – looks down on 2 Turtles on display close to each other.
“Sea Turtle” – by Dave White – in Piccadilly – on one side of Eros. Dave White is a contemporary British artist who dedicates his work to celebrating popular culture
And yet another view of the ‘Sea Turtle’ next to Eros in Piccadilly
“Bob the Turtle” – by Deborah Meaden & Steven Bartlett also on display in Piccadilly next to the Eros statue. Both Deborah Meaden and Steven Bartlett are currently dragons on the popular tv series ‘Dragons Den’
Me & my London Shoes – down in Piccadilly – searching for the Turtles on display there.
The accompanying storyboard for ‘Bob the Turtle’ in Piccadilly
London Shoes accomplice for the day ‘Karen’ – alongside the Deborah Meaden and Steven Bartlett designed ‘Bob the Turtle’ in Piccadilly
Nearly every Turtle we tracked down, was surrounded by children with their parents – having their photos taken – and folk studiously checking maps to establish which direction they need to head off to, to find the next Turtle on the Trail.
London’s famous Carnaby Street in the Soho district – and the site of yet another Turtle
“The Prodigal” Turtle – looking towards the entrance to Carnaby Street – this turtle is designed by legendary rock guitarist ‘Ronnie Wood’ of the Rolling Stones – old Ronnie is also a brilliant artist.
Another view of Ronnie wood’s ‘The Prodigal’ turtle in Carnaby Street
And yet another view of Ronnie Wood’s colourful turtle ‘The Prodigal’ – that’s located in Carnaby Street
The “Sir David” Turtle designed by Jemma Powell – down near Soho’s Great Marlborough Street. Jemma Powell has exhibited widely across the UK, drawing inspiration from nature and her travels.
Me – alongside the “Sir David” turtle down near Great Marlborough Street
Another view of the ‘Sir David’ Turtle – attracting the attention of lots of little folk.
“Myrtle the Hawksbill Turtle” is designed by the renowned illustrator ‘Ralph Steadman’ – this colourful turtle is located near Floral Street – not far from Covent Garden
Another view of “Myrtle the Hawksbill Turtle” near Covent Garden
The storyboard displayed on the plinth supporting“Myrtle the Hawksbill Turtle”
Yet another view of “Myrtle the Hawksbill Turtle” near Covent Garden
“Turtle London” designed by artist ‘Adam Dant‘ – a recipient of The Rome Scholarship in printmaking in 1993, The Jerwood Drawing prize in 2002 and appointed by Parliament as ‘The Official Artist of The 2015 UK General Election’. This turtle can be found in the back streets surrounding Covent Garden
Me – alongside “Turtle London”
Just some of the ‘turtle related’ inscriptions displayed on the shell of ‘Turtle London’ – near Covent Garden
Some more ‘turtle related’ inscriptions displayed on the shell of ‘Turtle London’ – near Covent Garden
Some more ‘turtle related’ inscriptions displayed on the shell of ‘Turtle London’ – near Covent Garden
The popular tourist attraction ‘Neals Yard’ – near the Seven Dials district of London – also a location of one of the Turtles
The “Golden Turtle Dude-Winking at Us” Turtle on display in ‘Neals Yard’. This turtle was designed by ‘Chila Burman’ an internationally acclaimed artist renowned for her vibrant, multi-disciplinary works.
The “Golden Turtle Dude-Winking at Us” Turtle on display in ‘Neals Yard’.
Me and my Shoes companion for the day ‘Karen’ – standing in front of the “Golden Turtle Dude-Winking at Us” on display at the popular tourist location ‘Neals Yard’ off the Charing Cross Road
‘Teddy the Turtle’ – keeping an eye on the crowds at Covent Garden. This Turtle was designed by the great John Cleese – the British actor, comedian, writer and producer, founding member of the legendary comedy group Monty Python, and writer of probably one of the greatest comedy progs ever…. Fawlty Towers. John Cleese and his wife, ‘Fish’, have a shared love for the sea and the beauty of marine life around the globe.
Another view of ‘Teddy the Turtle’ at Covent Garden
‘Teddy the Turtle’ attracting the crowds at Covent Garden
A Turtle called “Still Movin” on display at Covent Garden. It has been designed by the British photographer, publisher, and director ‘Rankin’ who’s photographed icons from Bowie to the Queen.
The ‘Still Movin’ turtle at Covent Garden
Another view of the ‘Still Movin’ turtle at Covent Garden – with my fellow turtle searcher Karen studiously studying the ‘Turtle Trail’ map – to locate the next turtle on our ‘To Do’ list
‘Beneath the Turtle’ by ‘Jacob Vilato’ – on display at Covent Garden. Jacob Vilató is an internationally recognised visual artist. His emotionally charged work explores perception, identity and memory through bold color and expressive gestures.
A close-up of the ‘Beneath the Turtle’ statue at Covent Garden
Me &n Karen – with ‘Beneath the Turtle’ in Covent Garden
A turtle called ‘Old Bold & Gold’ in Leicester Square. This one is designed by current Tusk ambassador ‘Hannah Shergold’ – who went from a career flying helicopters in the British Army to becoming an artist in 2018. Since then, her art has raised over £250,000 for Tusk.
The ‘Old Bold and Gold’ turtle on display at Leicester Square…..and the final turtle of the day, ticked off from our ‘Turtle Trail-2025’ list
“The Montagu Pyke” – pub on the Charing Cross Road – the location for our post ‘Turtle Trail-2025″ completion liquid refreshments
The current ‘Montagu Pyke’ pub building originally opened in 1911 as “Pyke’s Cambridge Circus Cinematograph Theatre” – and it was the 16th and last of a network of cinema’s opened by cinema pioneer businessman Montagu Pyke who owned a load of cinema’s across London.
In 1988 the ‘Montagu Pyke’ building became home to the iconic Marquee Club ‘live’ music venue, when it moved from its previous Wardour Street base
In 1996 the ‘Montagu Pyke’ opened as the West End’s very first ‘Wetherspoons’ pub.
Today – the ‘Montagu Pyke’ pub in the Charing Cross Road – still retains its cinema / music venue vibe.
Me – knocking back a much needed ‘cheeky’ beer in the ‘Montagu Pyke’ – following an exhausting 10 mile trek pounding the pavements on the ‘Turtle Trail’
Me & Karen – (my London Shoes accomplice for the day) – celebrating a successful day searching for Turtles, with a refreshing ‘cheeky’ beer in ‘The Montagu Pyke’ pub in the Charing Cross Road
Thank you London shoes and Karen for highlighting this charity Turtles are amazing creatures saw loads of them in Hong Kong
You’re welcome Jane – thank you
GEOFF (www.londonshoes.blog)
Another colourful collection of works of art, with the aim of saving the worlds creatures whose world we are destroying. I think my favourite is The Prodigal by Ronnie Wood.
As always – a very enjoyable read Mr. London Shoes
Another great adventure around London look forward to our Christmas themed walk 🎄
My favourites are “Old Bold and Gol”d & “Bob” 🐢
I love these art installations. I was in Auckland when they did owls. Certainly brighten places up.
Brilliant – as always