BOLTON artist Tabitha Sims found herself the centre of attention when she became a living sculpture at a London landmark.

The 40-year-old occupied the empty Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square for 60 minutes at noon yesterday, as part of artist Anthony Gormley’s One and Other Project on its 14th day.

Miss Sims decided to go ahead with her time on the plinth, despite the death of her father, Ron, just hours earlier.

Miss Sims, a lecturer in photography at Preston College, said: “My father was a photographer and artist and we were working on the project together.

“He said I had to do it. So my appearance on the plinth is dedicated to him.”

Miss Sims, who lives in the Palace Street flats in Bolton, took pictures from the plinth so she can share the experiences and promote art within her home town.

She also unveiled a Bolton Council banner stating “Join the Family” as she wanted to highlight the support the council had given artists and creative industries in the area.

While on the plinth, Miss Sims was taking pictures of surrounding landmarks when she noticed crowds taking pictures of her. “So I started taking pictures of the crowd,” she said.

Miss Sims said: “I felt it was a once in a lifetime opportunity, taking part in what I believe is an important piece of social and historical art work.

“It promotes art as being accessible and removes the elitism and the ‘gallery crowd’ which surrounds it. I hope it will inspire my students and open up art to other people.”

She added: “It was phenomenal and fantastic and an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”