Why Is a Sculpture by a Known Abuser Back on View in London?

The controversial statue outside the BBC headquarters in London has been repaired despite calls for its removal due to the artist’s history of abuse. The statue, called “Ariel and Prospero,” was created by Eric Gill, a sculptor and typeface designer who admitted to sexually abusing his daughters in his diaries. The statue, which has been on display since 1933, depicts characters from Shakespeare’s play “The Tempest” and is one of two sculptures by Gill in the BBC’s art collection.

In recent years, the statue has been vandalized twice by a protester who used a hammer to damage it. The incidents involved the same individual, David Chick, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is set to stand trial in May 2026. Despite the controversy surrounding Gill’s actions, the BBC decided to repair the statue, citing its historical and cultural significance.

The BBC spokesperson stated that while the broadcaster does not condone Gill’s abusive behavior, it distinguishes between the artist’s actions and the value of his artworks. The statue is protected by a Grade II* listing, indicating its historical and architectural importance. To provide context to visitors, the BBC has added a QR code next to the statue that explains the controversy surrounding Gill, although it does not explicitly mention his history of abuse.

The restoration of the statue was a collaboration between the BBC, Westminster City Council, and Historic England. The costs for repairing and protecting the statue amounted to £529,715, which were covered by the BBC rather than insurance. Despite calls from survivor groups to remove the statue, the BBC has maintained its decision to keep it on display.

The BBC has faced criticism in the past for its handling of sexual abuse allegations, particularly regarding former show host Jimmy Savile. Survivor groups have urged the broadcaster to remove Gill’s statue, arguing that its presence is insensitive to survivors of sexual violence. However, the BBC has defended its decision to preserve the statue as part of its art collection.