IAN SWANKIE

Something is happening on the streets and in the parks of London. Women are appearing, stepping up and taking their places alongside the statues of men. We now have three times more (non royal)  female statues than we did 25 years ago and it's time to take stock. Being queen was always the fastest route to being carved. Historically we've celebrated nurses, activists, entertainers and spies. And especially women who have combined more than one of the above. But now we can also find pioneers of flight, mathematics, and garden design. There are everywomen who represent a part of the population and much loved local figures immortalised by their communities.

We'll have a look at who has been commemorated and how they are depicted. On a plinth or busily engaged in activity,  let's meet the women of London.

Fiona Lukas

Fiona is an English graduate with a background in theatre, and she previously worked teaching circus skills. Now a Blue Badge Guide in London, she was Guide of the Year in 2015. London has been Fiona's home for most of her life. She's a very active guide exploring well-known and lesser-known aspects of the capital. She lectures on a range of subjects and is particulary inspired by telling the stories of interesting people who would otherwise go unnoticed.