The issue of how to address controversial statues has sparked debate not only on our shores, but also particularly in America, where violent protests erupted in Charlottesville following a decision to take down a statue of a Confederate general of the Civil War. Countless institutions across the world have similarly been prompted to re-evaluate their buildings, statues, even endowments and scholarships, due to their association with problematic historical figures, complicit in atrocities such as the slave trade.
This May, Guardian columnist and author Jonathan Freedland is chairing a discussion on this topical issue – should we revere or remove those statues and monuments of individuals who by contemporary standards are morally indefensible?
He is to be joined by a panel including renowned historian Peter Frankopan, the writer Afua Hirsch, author and consultant on cultural policy Tiffany Jenkins, and award-winning historian David Olusoga. The event is hosted by Intelligence Squared, an organisation that hosts debates on current affairs, which is teaming up with Historic England especially for the panel discussion.
It will no doubt be a thought-provoking way to sift through some of the complex ideas associated with this delicate issue - and to hear first hand the opinions of distinguished historians and social commentators.
What | Revere or Remove? The battle over statues, heritage and history panel discussion, Emmanuel Centre |
Where | Emmanuel Centre, SW1P 3DW | MAP |
Nearest tube | Westminster (underground) |
When |
On 14 May 18, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
Price | £15 – £30 |
Website | Click here to buy tickets now |