In a dramatic shift for one of London's most famous streets, the monumental bronze statues of former Harrods owner Mohamed Al-Fayed have been removed from their plinths outside the world-renowned department store.
The two 20-foot sculptures, which depicted the controversial businessman as an ancient Egyptian pharaoh, had stood guard over the Brompton Road entrance for over two decades. Their sudden dismantling this week marks the end of a significant, if peculiar, chapter in the store's history.
A Contentious Legacy
The statues were commissioned by Al-Fayed himself following his acquisition of the store in 1985. They were installed in 1997, a move that was met with a mixture of bemusement and criticism from the public and art critics alike.
For years, the sculptures were a talking point for tourists and Londoners, often described as a symbol of Al-Fayed's flamboyant and autocratic style of ownership. Their removal follows the store's sale to Qatar Holding in 2010 and appears to be part of a broader effort to modernise the Harrods brand and distance it from its previous owner's legacy.
Why Remove Them Now?
While no official statement has detailed the exact reason for the timing, the decision is believed to be a response to the increased public re-evaluation of monuments and public art in the wake of recent social movements. Al-Fayed's history, including the unresolved circumstances surrounding the death of his son Dodi and Princess Diana, has long cast a shadow.
The depiction of a modern businessman in the regalia of a pharaoh, a god-like ruler, was seen by many as an increasingly uncomfortable anachronism on the London streetscape.
What's Next for the Site?
The future of the now-empty plinths remains uncertain. A spokesperson for Harrods indicated that the store is continually evolving its visual identity and customer experience. It is widely anticipated that the space will be repurposed for more contemporary displays or branding that aligns with the store's current ownership and vision.
The removal of the statues signifies more than just a change in decor; it represents a conscious step away from a controversial past towards a new future for Britain's most famous luxury retailer.
