The Admiral's new clothes - Nelson gets a new look for the first time for 163 years with a little help from Zurich

Nelson's Column takes on a new look for the first time in its 163-year history today as Zurich sponsored hoardings are erected around the monument.  The hoardings, which will stay in place for the duration of the restoration work, depict images inspired by the kinds of environmental impact already experienced in Britain - smog in our cities, whirlwinds in Birmingham and flooding.  

No one can predict the future with total accuracy but by depicting Nelson in these make-believe scenarios and highlighting some of the issues, Zurich hopes to make people more aware of the ever-changing world around us.

Mark Searles, UK Marketing Director for Zurich said: 'Zurich is proud to be working in association with the Mayor of London in sponsoring the restoration of one of the UK's most treasured monuments. As an insurer, we plan ahead for the future, so the products we offer are always relevant to people's changing needs and lives. Nelson has certainly seen a lot of change over the years and following the restoration will be better prepared for the future.'

By participating in this sponsorship project Zurich aims to raise awareness of the importance of preserving national monuments.  The Mayor of London commissioned the restoration of Nelson's Column and it is believed that the partnership between the Mayor of London and Zurich is the first time that a restoration process has been supported by a corporate sponsor in the UK.  Restoration work will finish in July 2006

Notes to editor:

Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich) is an insurance-based financial services provider with a global network of subsidiaries and offices in North America and Europe as well as in Asia Pacific, Latin America and other markets. Founded in 1872, the Group is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. It employs approximately 55,000 people serving customers in more than 120 countries.

Information on and images of the restoration of Nelson's Column can be found at: http://www.london.gov.uk/trafalgarsquare/around/nelson/index.jsp