With Bright Benches, London Shows Off Its Love Of Books

Enlarge this image toggle caption Courtesy of The National Literacy Trust Courtesy of The National Literacy Trust

Chicago had cows, St. Louis has cakes and now London has benches that look like opened books.

The National Literacy Trust, along with public art promoter Wild in Art, has commissioned and placed 50 benches around town that are painted to look like pages and scenes from famous books.

Among the artists participating are Ralph Steadman, who re-created illustrations from his 1973 edition of Through the Looking-Glass; Rae Smith, the set designer for the stage version of War Horse; and How to Train Your Dragon creator Cressida Cowell.

In addition to the benches, which will be auctioned off in October, the project will include several literary-themed events, "such as an attempt to break the world record for the most number of people dressed as Sherlock Holmes, next to the Arthur Conan Doyle-inspired bench outside the University of London," according to Time Out.

Here are some of our favorites:

Enlarge this image toggle caption Courtesy of National Literacy Trust Courtesy of National Literacy Trust

Enlarge this image toggle caption Courtesy of The National Literacy Trust Courtesy of The National Literacy Trust