Counter-memorials should be erected near controversial statues, government says

The Edward Colston statue was toppled into the River Avon in June 2020. Photo: NurPhoto

Statues of controversial historical figures must be accompanied The government has said that instead of demolishing monuments, «counter-memorials» should be erected.

Ministers have issued a new set of rules for councils and landowners, urging them to resist calls from campaigners to demolish controversial monuments.

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The new rules say public artwork depicting people who resemble slave owners should only be removed in «rare and exceptional» cases.

The response was issued with advice to «preserve and explain.» to a growing number of campaigns to remove controversial statues.

It includes new rules that say monuments must remain in existing locations, but with additional explanation of their historical context.

Provide a “counter- perspective.»

Along with traditional means such as plaques and notice boards, the guide suggests «the installation of temporary or permanent counter-memorials.»

The dossier says this may include an «additional statue.» or other works of art that serve as a commentary or alternative point of view» to the original.

This comes after anti-racism protesters in Bristol toppled a bronze statue of slave trader Edward Colston and threw it into the River Avon in 2020.

The incident sparked widespread national debate about the controversial monuments, and campaigns for the removal of other monuments have also intensified.

New government guidance sets out the steps curators of such artworks must go through before they decide how to respond to them. such calls.

Organizations should only initiate investigations if complainants are “credible” and “not required to respond in detail to manifestly unsubstantiated or partial allegations.”

The guidelines apply to custodians of all memorials .

They should turn to experts to ensure a “full understanding of the person or event” before consulting with local residents about possible changes.

“In addition to seeking views about the memorable heritage item itself, custodians should use the consultation to set out possible options for its explanation, starting with the presumption that it will be preserved,” the dossier says.< /p>< p>“In rare and exceptional cases, and after careful consideration of the implications and viability of such an option, consultation may include testing the relocation option.”

Statues should only be moved. if there is a «compelling case for wider benefits of relocation», such as relocating them to their original site.

The guidelines will apply to custodians of all memorials and monuments, including charities such as the National Trust.< /p>

Historic England originally proposed the idea of ​​»counter-memorials» as a way to add more context to statues of historical figures back in 2021.