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| Should statues honour ordinary people? | Should statues honour ordinary people? |
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| By Tom Geoghegan BBC News Magazine Would you prefer to see a famous general on a plinth or a nurse? Should statues evoke British glories of the past or highlight the local heroes of the present day? | By Tom Geoghegan BBC News Magazine Would you prefer to see a famous general on a plinth or a nurse? Should statues evoke British glories of the past or highlight the local heroes of the present day? |
| With no prior knowledge of British history, a tour of all the statues across the country would paint a pretty good picture of the past. | With no prior knowledge of British history, a tour of all the statues across the country would paint a pretty good picture of the past. |
| A wide range of achievements and people, from the ubiquitous Lord Nelson (central London, Greenwich, Birmingham, Liverpool and Portsmouth) to the Skye terrier Bobby (Edinburgh) and St Patrick (Downpatrick), tell stories that are forever acknowledged in bronze and stone. | A wide range of achievements and people, from the ubiquitous Lord Nelson (central London, Greenwich, Birmingham, Liverpool and Portsmouth) to the Skye terrier Bobby (Edinburgh) and St Patrick (Downpatrick), tell stories that are forever acknowledged in bronze and stone. |
| But questions are being raised whether such a narrative is now being neglected. | But questions are being raised whether such a narrative is now being neglected. |
| YOUR FAVOURITE STATUE? Nominate your favourite UK statue using the comments form at the bottom of the storyYou can send photos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or MMS to 61124 named "favourite statue"We'll feature the best Tim Knox, director of the Sir John Soane's Museum in London, says major historical figures are being overlooked for "sentimental" memorials to lesser-known people. He named the monument to the Unknown Construction Worker on London's Tower Hill as an example. | YOUR FAVOURITE STATUE? Nominate your favourite UK statue using the comments form at the bottom of the storyYou can send photos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or MMS to 61124 named "favourite statue"We'll feature the best Tim Knox, director of the Sir John Soane's Museum in London, says major historical figures are being overlooked for "sentimental" memorials to lesser-known people. He named the monument to the Unknown Construction Worker on London's Tower Hill as an example. |
| And former deputy leader of the Labour Party, Lord Hattersley, believes that only great individuals who changed the nation in some way are worthy of prominent memorials. | And former deputy leader of the Labour Party, Lord Hattersley, believes that only great individuals who changed the nation in some way are worthy of prominent memorials. |
| Some statues capture the imaginationHe thinks William Shakespeare should occupy Trafalgar Square's fourth plinth, a spot recently filled by a depiction of disabled artist Alison Lapper in marble, and which could soon feature one real person every hour if Antony Gormley's proposal wins the bidding. | Some statues capture the imaginationHe thinks William Shakespeare should occupy Trafalgar Square's fourth plinth, a spot recently filled by a depiction of disabled artist Alison Lapper in marble, and which could soon feature one real person every hour if Antony Gormley's proposal wins the bidding. |
| While people like Lapper demonstrate a personal courage, says Lord Hattersley, they haven't changed the nation and he would like to see more cultural figures honoured, like Milton, Constable, Turner or Wren. | While people like Lapper demonstrate a personal courage, says Lord Hattersley, they haven't changed the nation and he would like to see more cultural figures honoured, like Milton, Constable, Turner or Wren. |
| "We just don't respect that kind of figure. There are too many military and political figures. In Parliament Square, I'm happy that Mandela is there but [former foreign secretaries] Castlereagh and Canning were not, to me, great men." | |
| The heroics of ordinary people have long been recognised in war memorials, of which there are about 10,000 in the UK. But in recent years the "unknown soldier" has become more inclusive to recognise the part played by women (Whitehall) and even animals in war (Park Lane). | The heroics of ordinary people have long been recognised in war memorials, of which there are about 10,000 in the UK. But in recent years the "unknown soldier" has become more inclusive to recognise the part played by women (Whitehall) and even animals in war (Park Lane). |
| 'Statue renaissance' | 'Statue renaissance' |
| This recognition of "ordinary" people has spread to other walks of life. | This recognition of "ordinary" people has spread to other walks of life. |
| The Bronze Woman is based on a poem by Cecile NobregaIn Stockwell, south London, a statue to celebrate the achievements of black women in Britain will be erected in June. | The Bronze Woman is based on a poem by Cecile NobregaIn Stockwell, south London, a statue to celebrate the achievements of black women in Britain will be erected in June. |
| But instead of putting a black role model like nurse Mary Seacole on a plinth, the statue will be a generic figure. | But instead of putting a black role model like nurse Mary Seacole on a plinth, the statue will be a generic figure. |
| Gormley wants to take this new democratic approach to an extreme with his proposal for the fourth plinth - 8,760 ordinary people to occupy it for one hour each, 24 hours a day. | Gormley wants to take this new democratic approach to an extreme with his proposal for the fourth plinth - 8,760 ordinary people to occupy it for one hour each, 24 hours a day. |
| Since the 1960s there has been a new renaissance of public art, says Ian Leith, of the Public Monuments and Sculptures Association, and the range of statues this has produced is something to celebrate. | Since the 1960s there has been a new renaissance of public art, says Ian Leith, of the Public Monuments and Sculptures Association, and the range of statues this has produced is something to celebrate. |
| HOW DO YOU GET A STATUE? Find an artistRaise the cash or apply to the Arts Council for a grantCelebrity endorsement helpsGet planning permission from the councilIn a street, a highways licence will also be requiredOn public land, the spot may be leased from the councilBudget for maintenance costsBut don't try Westminster - it says it's full up | HOW DO YOU GET A STATUE? Find an artistRaise the cash or apply to the Arts Council for a grantCelebrity endorsement helpsGet planning permission from the councilIn a street, a highways licence will also be requiredOn public land, the spot may be leased from the councilBudget for maintenance costsBut don't try Westminster - it says it's full up |
| "There are all sorts of people, fraternities and ideas going up, quite apart from the completely abstract sculptures. | "There are all sorts of people, fraternities and ideas going up, quite apart from the completely abstract sculptures. |
| "There's a diversity of sculptures that's far more democratic and representative to our time than the types of sculptures that were going up 20-30 years ago." | "There's a diversity of sculptures that's far more democratic and representative to our time than the types of sculptures that were going up 20-30 years ago." |
| This flowering of public art has been driven locally and is partly due to a greater awareness of the art, prompted by great post-war British sculptors Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. There is also a greater access to grants for individuals and groups to use when applying to councils for permission. | This flowering of public art has been driven locally and is partly due to a greater awareness of the art, prompted by great post-war British sculptors Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. There is also a greater access to grants for individuals and groups to use when applying to councils for permission. |
| They are not all successful works of art but at least they demonstrate a willingness to take risks, he says, and they elevate the achievements of local heroes. | They are not all successful works of art but at least they demonstrate a willingness to take risks, he says, and they elevate the achievements of local heroes. |
| Modern day Venus de Milo "Local worthies are hugely important and are celebrated now in this renaissance of public art. Before we were just stuck with lords, ladies, generals and Queen Victoria." | Modern day Venus de Milo "Local worthies are hugely important and are celebrated now in this renaissance of public art. Before we were just stuck with lords, ladies, generals and Queen Victoria." |
| Lapper herself thinks passers-by relate better to an everyday figure than someone noted in history. | Lapper herself thinks passers-by relate better to an everyday figure than someone noted in history. |
| "It's time we looked at ordinary people, these unsung heroes who never get a mention, like the man who looks after his wife for 20 years and has cancer. People that get on with their lives." | "It's time we looked at ordinary people, these unsung heroes who never get a mention, like the man who looks after his wife for 20 years and has cancer. People that get on with their lives." |
| She says she was shocked by the prejudice when the announcement was made that Marc Quinn's sculpture of her would occupy the fourth plinth, in 2005. But she thinks the thousands that viewed it since will have learnt, among other things, that disability is not vulgar. | She says she was shocked by the prejudice when the announcement was made that Marc Quinn's sculpture of her would occupy the fourth plinth, in 2005. But she thinks the thousands that viewed it since will have learnt, among other things, that disability is not vulgar. |
| Symbolism | Symbolism |
| Despite the flowering of monuments to local heroes, there is plenty of evidence that major figures are still getting their time in the limelight. | Despite the flowering of monuments to local heroes, there is plenty of evidence that major figures are still getting their time in the limelight. |
| But whether a piece engages with people is less about who the figure is and more about the quality of the idea and how it is represented, says Jonathan Banks of Ixia, a national forum for public art. | But whether a piece engages with people is less about who the figure is and more about the quality of the idea and how it is represented, says Jonathan Banks of Ixia, a national forum for public art. |
| Northampton honoured famous atheist MP Charles BradlaughThe Lapper statue was successful, he argues, because it was an interesting and an innovative way of addressing issues about statues and beauty. But there is a danger that symbolic figures can be less potent than a recognised individual with an interesting story. | Northampton honoured famous atheist MP Charles BradlaughThe Lapper statue was successful, he argues, because it was an interesting and an innovative way of addressing issues about statues and beauty. But there is a danger that symbolic figures can be less potent than a recognised individual with an interesting story. |
| Just how interesting or heroic can depend on a political viewpoint, of course, with the outcry over the statue of Bomber Harris, who led the bombing of Dresden, still fresh in the memory. | Just how interesting or heroic can depend on a political viewpoint, of course, with the outcry over the statue of Bomber Harris, who led the bombing of Dresden, still fresh in the memory. |
| And not all new statues are popular. A fortnight ago Liverpool Council approved a statue of Beatles manager Brian Epstein, but one of his friends says there is no need for a monument. And Scallop in Aldeburgh in honour of Benjamin Britten has repeatedly been attacked. | And not all new statues are popular. A fortnight ago Liverpool Council approved a statue of Beatles manager Brian Epstein, but one of his friends says there is no need for a monument. And Scallop in Aldeburgh in honour of Benjamin Britten has repeatedly been attacked. |
| Are there too many generals?Indeed, memorials have been appearing at quite a rate, says Richard Shone, editor of The Burlington Magazine, and it's time to be more imaginative. Not least, he says, because the art of sculpting is dying out. | Are there too many generals?Indeed, memorials have been appearing at quite a rate, says Richard Shone, editor of The Burlington Magazine, and it's time to be more imaginative. Not least, he says, because the art of sculpting is dying out. |
| "It's difficult to put John Constable on a plinth because the sculpting tradition has gone. We must try to think of new ways to commemorate people, such as planting trees or making rivers or pavilions, using our parks." | "It's difficult to put John Constable on a plinth because the sculpting tradition has gone. We must try to think of new ways to commemorate people, such as planting trees or making rivers or pavilions, using our parks." |
| A memorial to Constable, he says, could have trees native to Suffolk and which he painted. | A memorial to Constable, he says, could have trees native to Suffolk and which he painted. |
| So what kind of statues are going up around the UK ? | So what kind of statues are going up around the UK ? |
| EDINBURGH | EDINBURGH |
| Coming to a plinth near you | Coming to a plinth near you |
| The statue on the Royal Mile portrays philosopher Hume in the classical style and was unveiled on Saint Andrew's Day 1997. The city has 200 statues in its care and there is some concern about proposals to add to that tally with living people such as JK Rowling and Sean Connery. One new addition definitely coming is scientist James Clerk Maxwell, courtesy of the same man responsible for the Hume sculpture, Alexander Stoddart. | The statue on the Royal Mile portrays philosopher Hume in the classical style and was unveiled on Saint Andrew's Day 1997. The city has 200 statues in its care and there is some concern about proposals to add to that tally with living people such as JK Rowling and Sean Connery. One new addition definitely coming is scientist James Clerk Maxwell, courtesy of the same man responsible for the Hume sculpture, Alexander Stoddart. |
| Return to link | Return to link |
| LIVERPOOL | LIVERPOOL |
| Football is often honouredA statue of each Beatle greets visitors to the new Hard Day's Night Hotel in the city's unofficial "Beatles Quarter". Meanwhile the council has been very busy increasing the number of statues in the public space as Liverpool co-hosts the European City of Culture. In recent years there have been memorials to businessmen Cecil and John Moores, singer Billy Fury, Captain Johnnie Walker, Bill Shankly and Dixie Dean. Statues of Archbishops Derek Warlock and David Shepherd are in the pipeline. | Football is often honouredA statue of each Beatle greets visitors to the new Hard Day's Night Hotel in the city's unofficial "Beatles Quarter". Meanwhile the council has been very busy increasing the number of statues in the public space as Liverpool co-hosts the European City of Culture. In recent years there have been memorials to businessmen Cecil and John Moores, singer Billy Fury, Captain Johnnie Walker, Bill Shankly and Dixie Dean. Statues of Archbishops Derek Warlock and David Shepherd are in the pipeline. |
| Return to link | Return to link |
| BELFAST | BELFAST |
| Carson dominates the parliament grounds | Carson dominates the parliament grounds |
| One of the most famous statues in the city is Lord Carson at Stormont. Carson led Protestant opposition to home rule for Ireland during the constitutional crisis of 1912. There is a fundraising campaign for a new statue of George Best, who died in 2005. The Ring of Thanksgiving, featuring a woman carrying a ring, is a new addition to the banks of the River Lagan and a nod to the city's illustrious shipbuilding past can be found at the City Hall memorial to Sir Edward J Harland Bart MP, the former head of Harland and Wolff shipbuilding yard. It lies yards away from a monument to the Belfast-built RMS Titanic. | One of the most famous statues in the city is Lord Carson at Stormont. Carson led Protestant opposition to home rule for Ireland during the constitutional crisis of 1912. There is a fundraising campaign for a new statue of George Best, who died in 2005. The Ring of Thanksgiving, featuring a woman carrying a ring, is a new addition to the banks of the River Lagan and a nod to the city's illustrious shipbuilding past can be found at the City Hall memorial to Sir Edward J Harland Bart MP, the former head of Harland and Wolff shipbuilding yard. It lies yards away from a monument to the Belfast-built RMS Titanic. |
| Return to link | Return to link |
| LONDON | LONDON |
| A "lump with coats" or a fitting tribute?The Meeting Place is unloved by the critics but the intention of sculptor Paul Day was to represent the romance of rail travel. David Lloyd George and Nelson Mandela are two recent additions to the increasingly crowded Parliament Square, and Westminster says there is no more room for statues, so has tightened up its criteria. Art critic Brian Sewell says he supported the idea of a memorial for the sacrifices made by women during World War II, but was disappointed by what was unveiled in Whitehall in 2005 - a "lump with some coats". The 22ft-high bronze sculpture depicts the uniforms and working clothes worn by women during the war. Sewell would like to see a monument to all those who performed national service, particularly those who served abroad. | A "lump with coats" or a fitting tribute?The Meeting Place is unloved by the critics but the intention of sculptor Paul Day was to represent the romance of rail travel. David Lloyd George and Nelson Mandela are two recent additions to the increasingly crowded Parliament Square, and Westminster says there is no more room for statues, so has tightened up its criteria. Art critic Brian Sewell says he supported the idea of a memorial for the sacrifices made by women during World War II, but was disappointed by what was unveiled in Whitehall in 2005 - a "lump with some coats". The 22ft-high bronze sculpture depicts the uniforms and working clothes worn by women during the war. Sewell would like to see a monument to all those who performed national service, particularly those who served abroad. |
| Return to link | Return to link |
| BIRMINGHAM | BIRMINGHAM |
| No longer with usForward can no longer be seen in Birmingham's Centenary Square since the fibre-glass monument was set fire to and subsequently removed in 2003. It had represented the city's march from its industrial past into the future, and the figures included Joseph Chamberlain with his monocle and Josiah Mason, founder of the University, with an armful of books. But it was hardly popular, labelled the Lurpak sculpture because of its resemblance to butter and some objected to its communist-style social realism. It was replaced by the bronze monument of Matthew Boulton, James Watt and William Murdoch, to recognise their work on steam engines. | No longer with usForward can no longer be seen in Birmingham's Centenary Square since the fibre-glass monument was set fire to and subsequently removed in 2003. It had represented the city's march from its industrial past into the future, and the figures included Joseph Chamberlain with his monocle and Josiah Mason, founder of the University, with an armful of books. But it was hardly popular, labelled the Lurpak sculpture because of its resemblance to butter and some objected to its communist-style social realism. It was replaced by the bronze monument of Matthew Boulton, James Watt and William Murdoch, to recognise their work on steam engines. |
| Return to link | Return to link |
| Tell us which is your favourite statue in the UK and why, using the form below. | Tell us which is your favourite statue in the UK and why, using the form below. |