The BBC will begin restoring the Eric Gill sculpture outside its London headquarters after it was vandalised in 2022. The work, commissioned to depict Prospero and Ariel from Shakespeare’s The Tempest, was attacked with a hammer by a protester last year. There have long been calls to remove public works by Gill after his private diaries – published half a century after the artist’s death in 1940 – revealed he had sexually abused his two eldest daughters.
Gill’s sculpture was carved onsite for Broadcasting House in 1931 and 1932, one of many high-profile commissions awarded to the sculptor during his lifetime. The work caused a degree of controversy at the time over the size of the sprite’s genitalia; Gill later said that he didn’t understand why the Shakespearean characters were relevant and that his statue actually depicted God and Jesus.
Despite his keen interest in religion and pious appearance, Gill’s private diaries revealed a life of sexual deviancy. As well as the abuse of his daughters they documented an incestuous relationship with at least one of his sisters and sexual activity with the family dog. Following the publication of this information in Fiona MacCarthy’s 1989 biography, calls have increased for the removal of Gill’s public artworks, including the one at Broadcasting House which has been a particular focal point of rightwingers and conspiracists from Tommy Robinson to QAnon.
In a statement, the head of BBC History, Robert Seatter, said: “Gill’s abusive behaviour and lifestyle are well documented and the BBC in no way condones his behaviour. So while it is right that the fabric of the building is restored, we must also ensure people are fully informed about the history connected to it.”
The building work, which is to be funded by insurance rather than the licence fee, is likely to be completed in the summer. The BBC said it took advice from Historic England before making the decision to restore the sculpture. When the work is complete it will be accompanied by a QR code which will provide viewers with added context on the statue and its creator.
• Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse issues is available from the following organisations. In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support on 0808 500 2222 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, or 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland. In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4673. In Australia, support is available at 1800Respect (1800 737 732). Other international helplines can be found at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html
