Talking Statues is a new project from the non-profit group Sing London, which aims to lift public spirits by giving famous statues a voice. For the next year, thirty-five prominent bronze or stone statues in London and Manchester will be able to “speak” to passers-by through QR codes and near field communication chips. Each participating figure has been equipped with a plaque allowing visitors to swipe a mobile phone to hear a personal story. A number of actors, writers and media personalities have lent voice to the initiative, including Dr Who’s Jenna Coleman, Patrick Stewart, Anthony Horowitz and Jeremy Paxman.