5000 Origami pigeons in Leicester Square

26th March saw a mass return of pigeons to London as 5000 Origami birds set up roost in Leicester Square. They appeared overnight to celebrate the China Design Now exhibition at the V&A, sponsored by HSBC.

HSBC was offering special ticket discounts to all those who went along to Leicester Square to pick up a pigeon. By following the instructions on the birds and presenting a pigeon at the V&A people were able to claim three pounds off full price tickets.

Origami is often associated with Japan, but in fact the ancient and beautiful art of paper folding began in China in the first and second centuries, following the invention of paper by Cai Lun during the Eastern Han Dynasty.

Please go to the media centre to see the video of the pigeons as they appeared on ITV.