Should the BBC Remove Eric Gill’s Statue from Broadcasting House?

The recent discovery of Eric Gill's more troubling behaviors, particularly his involvement with pedophiles and other perverts, has sparked a debate on whether the BBC should remove the statue of Gill from the front of Broadcasting House in London.

Beyond the Statute: A Broader Issue

One of the central discussions centers not just on the statue itself but on whether all artifacts and publications associated with Eric Gill should be removed. This calls into question the responsibility of institutions in addressing the complex histories of public figures and the artifacts they created.

Motivated individuals are suggesting a complete purge, ranging from deleting Gill family of fonts from personal devices to boycotting publications printed by Penguin in the last century. The argument extends even further, impacting not just publications but also media content, proposing that any film or TV program presenting or involving individuals associated with Gill should be banned.

Tate’s Model Approach

Interestingly, the Tate Gallery has largely purged Eric Gill from public display, except for images on their website. This approach suggests that removing physical statues or exhibitions may be a cautious, yet effective, way to address the issue while not completely erasing the artist's legacy.

Symbolism and Historical Context

The removal of Coulson's statue at Broadcasting House was seen as symbolic of a broader trend. The argument is that, if symbolic removal is acceptable, then the same should apply to Eric Gill. Some argue that removing statues can be seen as erasing history, while others view it as a way to address uncomfortable truths.

Parallel to this, there have been calls to reconsider the historical context of artifacts like the UK’s 'borrowed' treasures stored in warehouses. The idea is that, as more information becomes available, the collective historical narrative is constantly being reevaluated and rewritten.

A Labelled Approach

A proposed solution to navigate this complex issue is the addition of labels to artworks and statues where the artist has been found to have been involved in unethical or disturbing behaviors. This label would inform visitors about the artist's troubled history. The question arises: who would make such decisions, and how would these labels be implemented?

Conclusion

The debate on removing Eric Gill's statue from Broadcasting House is multifaceted and touches on sensitive issues such as historical context, symbolism, and the responsibility of institutions to address ethical concerns. Whether the BBC removes the statue or opts for a labeled approach, the ultimate decision will need to balance respect for history with the need to address uncomfortable truths.