A controversial sculpture outside the BBC’s London headquarters has been put back on display behind a protective screen after being restored, with the corporation saying it in no way condoned the “abusive behaviour” of its creator.
The work by Eric Gill, which depicts Prospero and Ariel from William Shakespeare’s The Tempest, had been largely out of view since it was vandalised with a hammer in 2022. There have long been calls for Gill’s works to be removed since his diaries revealed he had sexually abused his two eldest daughters.
The BBC said it had taken advice before restoring the sculpture that adorns Broadcasting House, while visitors can now scan a QR code near the building to understand the dark background of the sculpture’s creator.
Gill’s statue was carved on-site for Broadcasting House in 1931 and 1932, underlining his status as one of the most prominent sculptors of the early 20th century. However, private diaries published several decades after his death in 1940 revealed his history of sexual abuse.
As well as the abuse of his daughters, they also documented sexual activity with the family dog. His statues, particularly his Broadcasting House work, have become a focus of attention for the hard right, including Tommy Robinson and the conspiracy group QAnon.
Broadcasting House is a Grade II* listed building, meaning it is of special interest. The cost of restoration and protective work was just over £500,000. “Broadcasting House is a building of historical and cultural significance and has been so for almost a century,” a BBC spokesperson said. “The sculpture of Ariel and Prospero – depicted as symbols of broadcasting – is an integral part of it.”
They added: “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. When the building was subject to serious criminal damage, on two occasions, there were no easy options for addressing the destruction caused.
“Having sought expert advice and opinion, we repaired the facade in line with the building’s Grade II* status. Additionally, working with Historic England and Westminster city council, we have installed a protective screen in front of the sculpture to avoid future damage.”
Duncan Wilson, the chief executive of Historic England, said his organisation had advised the BBC on the work. “We recognise that, since details of Gill’s abusive behaviours came to light in the late 1980s, he has understandably become a controversial character,” he said. “We welcome the BBC’s approach to repairing the sculpture and providing interpretation which explores this complex history.”
