AN OPTICIAN from Chigwell will take to a public plinth in London's Trafalgar Square to become a living work of art as part of a high profile art show.

Mr Ishvinder Matharu, 31, from Tomswood Road, Chigwell will be making history when he takes part in sculptor Antony Gormley's "One and Other" project on July 6.

Mr Matharu, a Optometrist said he got involved after hearing about the project some months ago.

"I just loved the idea of the plinth and what it represented and so I applied online, I didn't think I would get chosen at all, actually at first they rejected me and then someone dropped out and I got their place.

"I'm not the sort of person that would normally do this, but its historic and I loved the idea."

People taking part are also invited to perform, acts including: A drag queen, a couple playing a chess game and a girl celebrating her 21st Birthday have all been selected for a turn.

Mr Matharu is still trying to decide what to do with his hour.

He said: "I've got no clue what i'm going to do up there, I'm not a performer and I don't have any natural skills that I can show off, to be honest, as time goes on I am more and more nervous about it, but I wont be offering anyone any free eye tests!"

"I've got an hour, which doesn't sound like a lot but that hour seems to feel longer and longer the closer it gets but its a four metre plinth so you're limited to what you can do."

"I'll be getting beamed around the world via webcam, I know there might be a couple of friends watching from Australia."

The square, which is usually home to statues of British Kings and Heroes will become the setting for people from all walks of life taking part in the project.

sculptor Antony Gormley said he wanted people of all ages and backgrounds to show a true representation of humanity.

He said: "Through elevation onto the plinth, and removal from the common ground, the body becomes a metaphor, a symbol."

"In the context of Trafalgar Square with its military, valedictory and male historical statues to specific individuals, this elevation of everyday life to the position formerly occupied by monumental art allows us to reflect on the diversity, vulnerability and particularity of the individual in contemporary society."

He added: "It could be tragic but it could also be funny."

Almost 15,000 people have applied for one of the 2400 hour-long slots on the plinth, which will be occupied on a 24-hour basis.

For more information or to discover how you can get involved visit www.oneandother.co.uk