The BBC has restored and protected Eric Gill’s statue “Ariel and Prospero” despite criticism over Gill’s abusive past. The statue’s restoration cost over £529,000 and aims to contextualise its significance while facing public pushback from survivor advocates. Gill’s history, revealed posthumously, raises ongoing debates about controversial art.
The BBC has restored Eric Gill’s controversial statue “Ariel and Prospero” outside its London headquarters, despite public outcry over the artist’s abusive past. The statue was unveiled behind a protective screen on April 9, following vandalism incidents where protester David Chick damaged it with a hammer. He has been barred from approaching the statue before his trial in May 2026.
Gill, a British sculptor and type designer, is known for his work since its 1933 display; however, his diaries revealed he sexually abused his daughters. The BBC has stated, “The BBC in no way condones Gill’s abusive behaviour, but it draws a line between the actions of Gill, and the status of these artworks.”
The statue is listed as a Grade II* structure, providing it with legal protections due to its cultural significance. Alongside the artwork, a QR code offers historical context, but omits specifics about Gill’s abuse. The restoration and protective shield cost the BBC £529,715, which was funded entirely by the broadcaster.
Survivor groups have called for Gill’s statue to be removed due to its association with his abusive actions. Fay Maxted of the Survivors’ Trust expressed concern over its public display, stating it is “an insult… intolerable.”
The BBC has restored and protected Eric Gill’s statue at Broadcasting House, despite its controversial artist’s abusive history. The restoration aims to balance historical significance with awareness of Gill’s actions, although criticism from survivor groups highlights ongoing tensions between art and ethics. The high cost of restoration was covered by the BBC, reaffirming their stance on the matter.
Original Source: hyperallergic.com