Right of Reply: Prue Leith
The Vice President of the Royal Society of Arts defends their plans for Trafalgar Square
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.YOUR LEADING article ("Populism on the plinth") implies that the RSA is somehow ignoring the people's wish by proposing a temporary display of contemporary works on the empty plinth in Trafalgar Square. For 150 years nothing appeared there because no one could agree. Originally the plinth was to have been occupied by an equestrian statue of William IV, but he failed to leave funds to pay for the work. And so the plinth has remained empty, because no proposition has yet managed to achieve general approval.
We consulted widely for three years and the suggestions from the public included ideas for both contemporary and traditional exhibitions; for "heroes" as diverse as Pooh Bear and Nelson Mandela, and for themes such as Peace and Democracy. But "the public" does not speak with one voice. So we tested the various ideas with interested bodies, possible funders and with a feasibility study.
We have been working with advisers from Sculpture at Goodwood, the Tate Gallery, ArtAngel and the Public Monuments and Sculpture Association. To get the debate going about the long-term solution, we intend to hold a temporary exhibition of contemporary sculpture.
Seventeen British artists were invited to submit ideas, out of which three were chosen by the commissioning panel, who, if planning permission is granted, will provide interest, excitement and pleasure to Londoners and tourists in Trafalgar Square.
Other cities are much braver about showing off their best artists - Paris had an exhibition down the Champs-Elysees of about 50 sculptures from Rodin to Lynn Chadwick, and New York has Flanagan's Hares all down Park Avenue. Let's, for once, take a risk, if only a temporary one.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments