From Marc Bolan, whose 'glam rock' innovation redefined London's music scene in the 1970s, to Audrey Hepburn, whose global fame brought international attention and prestige, to Alicia Markova who was instrumental in positioning the city as a centre for world-class ballet, these plaques recognise individuals from a range of artistic fields, celebrating their impact on London’s cultural lan

Also among the remarkable figures to be honoured are: Barbara Pym, the renowned British novelist whose works, such as Excellent Women, captured a slice of post-war London’s social fabric; Graham Sutherland, the influential British artist known for his Neo-Romantic landscapes and his controversial portrait of Winston Churchill; and Una Marson, trailblazing Jamaican poet, playwright, broadcaster, and campaigner for racial and gender equality.

English Heritage Curatorial Director, Matt Thompson, said, '2025 marks an exciting year for the Blue Plaques Scheme as we honour these outstanding individuals who transformed the cultural fabric of London.

'From literature and art to dance and music, these figures helped shape the London we know today. Their contributions not only had a profound impact on their fields but also continue to inspire generations.'

In 2025, English Heritage blue plaques will be unveiled to, among others:

• Marc Bolan (1947–1977): The enigmatic frontman of T. Rex spearheaded the Glam Rock movement of the 1970s. Known for his flamboyant style and electrifying stage presence, Bolan captivated audiences with his fusion of rock, folk, and glittering theatrics, making hits like Get It On and Ride a White Swan staples of the era. The plaque will mark one of his west London addresses.
• Audrey Hepburn (1929–1993): Audrey Hepburn's early years in London, during which she transitioned from ballet to acting, will be commemorated with a blue plaque in Mayfair.
• Alicia Markova (1910–2004): Hailed as one of the greatest ballerinas of the 20th century, Alicia Markova was a co-founder of the English National Ballet and an influential figure in the Royal Ballet. The plaque will mark her childhood home in Muswell Hill, where she lived when physical ailments, including flat feet and weak legs, led her to take up ballet as a corrective measure.
• Una Marson (1905-1965): Trailblazing Jamaican poet, playwright, broadcaster, and campaigner for racial and gender equality, Una Marson was one of the most influential Black figures of the 20th century.
• Barbara Pym (1913–1980): The acclaimed British novelist's breakthrough came with Some Tame Gazelle (1950), and she quickly became known for her witty, insightful portrayals of single women's lives, drawing comparisons to Jane Austen. She will be commemorated in Pimlico, from where her best-loved and best-known novel, Excellent Women, draws its inspiration and setting.
• Graham Sutherland (1903–1980): One of the most significant British artists of the 20th century, Graham Sutherland was renowned for his evocative landscapes and his powerful, often haunting portraits. The plaque will mark his childhood home in the suburbs of London, which played a formative role in his artistic development.

We are currently working with the property owners and all blue plaques are subject to full owner approval.

The English Heritage London Blue Plaques scheme celebrates the link between significant figures of the past and the buildings in which they lived and worked.

The scheme runs on public suggestions, the main conditions of acceptance for which are that a subject should have been deceased for at least 20 years, and at that least one building in Greater London in which they lived or worked should survive with a substantially unaltered exterior.

All nominations received by English Heritage are measured against the same strict criteria:

• They should be understood to have made an exceptional impact in their field, community or on society at large
• They should be understood to have made some important positive contribution to human welfare or happiness; and
• They should have lived in London for a significant period, in time or importance, within their life and work.

The English Heritage London Blue Plaques scheme is generously supported by David Pearl and members of the public.