SIR – It was amazing, but somehow not unexpected, to see such an indecent monument to Princess Diana unveiled last week (report, July 2nd). It is downright Stalinist in its dreary gray, its unsympathetic portrayal of its subject and its consistent failure to capture a portrait or its exuberant character.
Much better would have been an even more extensive memorial planting of the Sunken Garden.
Marian water
Pebworth, Worcestershire
SIR – Simon Heffer examines important issues in his complaint about the poor quality of modern public statues (Features, July 3), perhaps most clearly shown at the “Empty Pedestal” Festival in Trafalgar Square.
However, I have a gentle problem with him when he says, “You have to go back to pre-World War II to discover a public work of art that was well executed, dignified, and inspiring”. On a recent visit to Sheffield, I was deeply impressed by Martin Jennings’ 2016 work Women of Steel – a simple, dignified and compelling celebration of the women who contributed to the industry of this great city in two world wars.
Neville White
Orpington, Kent
SIR – I would like to urge Simon Heffer to consider the excellent works of Alexander “Sandy” Stoddart in Scotland and especially in Edinburgh. I suggest he will find that they meet his criteria for dignity and excellence.
John Maloney
Edinburgh
SIR – If Simon Heffer was disappointed with Harold Wilson in Huyton, maybe he would find it more acceptable outside Huddersfield train station.
Memorial sculpture does not have to be carefully dignified. Graham Ibbeson’s portrayals of William Webb Ellis in rugby, Fred Trueman in Skipton and the footballers Cunningham, Regis and Batson (the “Three Degrees”) in West Bromwich are all worthy tributes to important personalities. Ibbeson’s statues, like Eric Morecambe in his hometown and Laurel and Hardy in Ulverston, often put a smile on the face of passing audiences.
John Birkbeck
Barnsley, South Yorkshire
SIR – Unfortunately, not only public sculpture is a dying art. The ability to make a beautiful and detailed coin or medal has also been lost. It is no coincidence that Benedetto Pistrucci’s image of Saint George killing the dragon still adorns our coins even after more than 200 years.
The real or symbolic scenes that were once depicted on our military medals were true works of art; now they lack details, they are simple and largely meaningless. The image of the queen in modern medal matters is quite hideous. It is completely disproportionate, with a crown so large that Her Majesty’s head is pressed to the bottom of the frame.
Nicholas Young
London W13
Afghan wars
SIR – I fully agree with General Lord Dannatt’s article (“Our Success in Afghanistan Has Been Wasted,” Commentary, July 2).
In my most recent book, I also pointed to the damaging effects of the fatal strategic diversion of the Iraq war in 2003 and the catastrophic failure of both the UK and the US to provide sufficient military resources to contain the Taliban and thereby successfully “build a nation in Afghanistan” “. Additionally, I have highlighted Britain’s specific political failures – given its extensive experience in Afghan political and military affairs – helping regional allies (especially India and Pakistan) and indigenous allies / collaborators (especially the Hazara) in stabilizing this unfortunate nation.
We were far too complacent after our untimely “victory” at Christmas 2001 and sacrificed far too many of our brave soldiers by not governing a country of which Sir Olaf Caroe, Britain’s last governor of the Northwest Province of India, said in 1947: “In contrast in addition to other wars, Afghan wars only become serious when they are over. “
Dr. Edmund Yorke
Visiting scholar
Reading University
Precautions will remain in place after the lockdown
SIR – Of course, the focus should be on personal protection after the lockdown (report, Jul 4). I would agree that wearing face covering and social distancing can be optional in most situations, but in some cases control should be maintained. I would include essential shops (easy to identify – those that were allowed to open in the initial lockdown) and public transportation.
Personal protection depends on the actions of others.
Dr. Frank Booth
Exmouth, Devon
SIR – The same day Cambridge University reported that it was resuming in-person graduations for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began, my daughter, who graduated from Bishop Grosseteste University last year, received a message from this Facility that said the postponed graduation ceremony scheduled for July 20th was canceled. With all restrictions set to be lifted on July 19th, this is another slap in the face for a group of young people who have already suffered badly over the past 15 months.
Graduations are an important rite of passage for both graduates and their families. Lately there has been little to celebrate, and with this action Bishop Grosseteste has taken away the opportunity for a long-awaited family celebration.
Tony Green
High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
Power failure
SIR – Your report on the UK’s dependence on electricity is very worrying (“Blackouts get worse when electricity consumption explodes,” June 16). Putting all of our eggs in one basket is insane. Wouldn’t it be better to use alternative energy sources such as hydrogen and biofuels and concentrate development?
John Heywood
Kingsbridge, Devon
Trust in Scotland
SIR – Cornelia van der Poll and her colleagues (Letters, Jul 2) – and any other reader concerned about the National Trust’s direction of travel – may wish to consider joining the National Trust for Scotland.
My wife and I did this many years ago even though we are English and live in England and we have no regrets. It’s an excellent and friendly organization; it makes a great magazine and it is not run by the brigade. The annual fees are lower than the English version. We do not receive a comprehensive printed real estate guide, but all the information we need is available online.
Think about it. A mass exodus of members to the National Trust for Scotland could focus some heads in England.
David pound
Daventry, Northamptonshire
Houses for downsizers
SIR – Roger Bootle (Business, June 28) calls for job cuts to be encouraged through the abolition of stamp duty on the many moves out of understaffed properties. However, the bigger problem for those looking to downsize is where to go next.
The government and planners all seem tied to the idea sold to them by developers that anyone who reaches retirement age is a “last seller,” ready to walk straight into a granny flat. Most people in their sixties whose families flew the nest can look forward to 20 years of good health. There are many who would like to downsize but are unwilling to part with a garden or much of their property in order to squeeze into an apartment 20 years early. They just want a smaller house.
The problem seems to be that builders are allowed to build the houses they want to build, rather than those needed to complement and make optimal use of the existing housing stock.
Mike Bussell
Yeovil, Somerset
Nature disappears
SIR – The continuing overdevelopment of housing developments in the county has resulted in a huge increase in the number of road users. The owner’s landscaping idea is to plant “token trees” – namely cherries, almonds and birches.
These offer no shelter for nesting birds and do not offer autumn fruits as food. Hedgehogs and birds die in the streets as they have to travel greater distances to look for food.
Maggie sickle
Wellington, Shropshire