BBC restores controversial sculpture and adds protective screen

A controversial sculpture outside the BBC’s London headquarters has been reinstated following a £500,000 restoration that includes a new protective screen.

The work by Eric Gill depicts Prospero and Ariel from Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

The sculpture on the front of the Grade II* listed Broadcasting House was vandalised with a hammer in 2022, in protest at Gill’s known sexual abuse of his two eldest daughters, which he documented in his diaries.

The work was carved on-site from 1931-32. The BBC said that visitors could now scan a QR code near the building to find out about Gill’s dark background.

A BBC spokesperson said: “Broadcasting House is a building of historical and cultural significance and has been so for almost a century.

“The sculpture of Ariel and Prospero – depicted as symbols of broadcasting – is an integral part of it.”

The spokesperson added: “The BBC in no way condones Gill’s abusive behaviour, but it draws a line between the actions of Gill and the status of these artworks.

“Having sought expert advice and opinion, we repaired the facade in line with the building’s Grade II* status.

“Additionally, working with Historic England and Westminster City Council, we have installed a protective screen in front of the sculpture to avoid future damage.”

Duncan Wilson, the chief executive of Historic England, said: “We welcome the BBC’s approach to repairing the sculpture and providing interpretation which explores this complex history.”