All those painted living statues in tourist spots such as Covent Garden are a magnet for photographers. But who gives a thought to the difficulties of sitting or standing in one uncomfortable position for hours on end?
Among the perils, apart from the obvious ones of temperature, cramp and inconvenience, it seems that deep vein thrombosis, failing eyesight and blood clots on the lungs are on the list of complaints suffered by these street artists. Under their painted suits many have to wear DVT stockings and, of course, layers of clothes to cope with the cold in winter. They can spend up to five hours a week painting their faces and other exposed bits of flesh and they need a very high level of fitness to cope with the stress positions adopted.
Read more about the experiences of living statues you love to photograph