Controversial Eric Gill Statue Restored and Unveiled Outside BBC Headquarters
A contentious statue carved by renowned sculptor Eric Gill has been restored and unveiled outside the BBC’s London headquarters, following a series of damages and controversy surrounding the artist’s past behaviour.
The Grade II*-listed statue, which depicts Prospero and Ariel from William Shakespeare’s play The Tempest, has been on display at Broadcasting House since 1933. However, in recent years, it has been the subject of heated debate and criticism due to revelations about Gill’s personal life. After his death in 1940, it was revealed that Gill had sexually abused his daughters, leading to calls for the statue’s removal.
Despite the controversy, the BBC has chosen to restore and retain the statue, drawing a clear distinction between Gill’s actions and the artistic significance of the work. A BBC spokeswoman stated that the corporation "in no way condones Gill’s abusive behaviour" but also emphasised that they "draw a line between the actions of Gill, and the status of these artworks".
The statue was damaged in 2022 and 2023 when it was attacked by a member of the public with a hammer. David Chick of Northamptonshire, who was responsible for the damage, pleaded not guilty to causing over £150,000 worth of damage in Portland Place in May 2023. The BBC reported that the estimated total costs of the restoration and protective work were £529,715, which has been covered by the corporation rather than claimed on insurance.
Historic England CEO Duncan Wilson welcomed the BBC’s approach to repairing the sculpture, stating that they "recognise that since details of Gill’s abusive behaviours came to light in the late 1980s, he has understandably become a controversial character". He also noted that the addition of a QR code, which provides information about the history of the building, Eric Gill, and the sculpture’s restoration, is a positive step towards contextualising the statue.
The restored sculpture is now displayed with a new protective covering and a QR code that links to information about the history of the building, Eric Gill, and the sculpture’s restoration. This move aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of the statue’s complex history and significance.
In 2023, David Chick was arrested after allegedly climbing scaffolding at Broadcasting House and hitting the statue with a hammer. BBC staff reported hearing a man shout "paedophile" as he struck the statue. Mr Chick was already under investigation for criminal damage to the same statue during a previous incident in 2022.
The restoration of the Prospero and Ariel statue raises important questions about how we approach and contextualise contested artworks. As Duncan Wilson noted, Historic England welcomes "thoughtful, long-lasting and powerful (re)interpretation of contested statues and sites which keeps their physical context but adds new layers of meaning and understanding".
The BBC’s decision to restore and retain the statue has sparked debate about the role of art in public spaces and how we reconcile the value of creative works with the problematic actions of their creators. As the corporation continues to navigate this complex issue, it remains to be seen how the public will respond to the restored statue.
The Prospero and Ariel statue is a significant work of art that has been part of the BBC’s landscape for many decades. While Eric Gill’s past actions are undoubtedly reprehensible, the BBC’s approach to repairing and contextualising the sculpture offers a nuanced perspective on the complexities of art, history, and accountability.
The unveiling of the restored statue serves as a reminder of the ongoing conversations about art, history, and accountability that are taking place across the UK and beyond. As the nation continues to grapple with the legacies of problematic historical figures, the BBC’s handling of this statue provides an important case study in how to approach such complex issues.
Sources:
BBC News
