Once again on statues: our plinth will come
One year on the statue of Edward Colston that was toppled in Bristol on 7th June 2020 is still in the news.
It has been put on display in the M Shed Museum in Bristol as part of a democratic consultation about what should eventually happen to it. Some have found it controversial because it remains daubed with paint and is displayed at angle.
The interestingly named Save Our Statues, who I suspect have little more existence than a twitter account (at least under that name) claim they want the statue restored to its original plinth because they have decided this is democratic.
They reportedly tried, and of course failed, to block people from seeing the statue at M Shed. They could have had an in person protest except one suspects very few of their twitter followers actually live anywhere near Bristol.
One statue I suspect they would not be campaigning for is that of Guardian letter writers, myself included. As I note in today’s paper (9.6) a statue is, I hope, a bit premature.
I also agree with fellow Guardian letter writer and beard wearer Toby Wood @tobywoody that we don’t really need more statues of old white blokes. Having an imperial stout named after oneself would be much more suitable.
While there may not be enough statues of letter writers, I’m pleased that Michael Cunningham came out against the idea. I would prefer to avoid a premature appearance in Guardian obituaries – surely an essential requirement for a statue.
Keith Flett
London
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