I attended the filming of the Channel 4 programme Jimmy Carr Destroys Art last Wednesday (Backlash against C4 show that may destroy works by Hitler and Picasso, 13 October). It will be the end of Channel 4 if it is broadcast.
It was a Top Gear-type format, with Carr cracking jokes about child abuse while presenting the material and the dilemmas involved. He rolled out a comedian and an art critic to consider the merits of keeping or destroying a Rolf Harris painting or an Eric Gill print. The audience were given paddles to turn to green or red for which piece of art they thought should be destroyed.
It is a reasonable topic, but was debased and debauched telly. I removed myself from the scene in order to cease my participation and not be filmed.
Carr will inevitably benefit from the shock that this programme goes out of its way to cause, but it will surely be the downfall of a valued broadcasting institution.
Adam Fineberg
London
