David Chick attacks Eric Gill statue at BBC headquarters
- The Eric Gill statue outside the BBC was restored after being damaged by David Chick.
- Gill's past as a prominent sculptor is overshadowed by revelations of his abusive behavior.
- The BBC aims to address the controversy by linking the statue's history to educational content available to the public.
In London, the BBC unveiled a restored statue carved by Eric Gill outside its headquarters after it was damaged in two separate incidents. The statue, which depicts characters from Shakespeare's 'The Tempest', has been a point of controversy due to Gill's posthumous reputation, which suffered significantly after details of his sexual abuse of his daughters emerged in the late 1980s. On May 2023, a man named David Chick allegedly climbed scaffolding and attacked the statue with a hammer, shouting 'paedophile!' during the incident. He was already facing charges from a previous attack on the same statue in 2022. After the attacks, the BBC undertook restoration work on the Grade II*-listed statue, costing around £529,715, which they covered without claiming insurance. The BBC stated that they do not condone Gill's abusive behavior, emphasizing a distinction between the artist's actions and the artistic value of the work. To provide context about the statue and its history, the BBC included a QR code for visitors to access additional information about Eric Gill and the restoration of the artwork. Historic England's CEO supported the BBC's approach, indicating that it aligns with efforts to thoughtfully interpret contested artworks and their histories. This ongoing debate highlights the complex relationship between art, artists, and moral considerations, sparking discussions on how society should commemorate controversial figures while acknowledging their wrongdoing.