Letters: Diana, Princess of Wales, deserved better than this unbecoming statue – Telegraph.co.uk

SIR It was astonishing, but somehow not unexpected, to see such an unbecoming memorial to Princess Diana unveiled last week (report, July 2). It is positively Stalinist in its dreary greyness, its unsympathetic portrayal of its subject, and its consequent failure to capture a likeness or her ebullient character.

Much better would have been an even more extensive memorial planting of the Sunken Garden.

Marian WatersPebworth, Worcestershire

SIR Simon Heffer explores important issues in his lament over the poor quality of modern public statues (Features, July 3), perhaps most clearly shown in the festival of tat inflicted on the empty plinth in Trafalgar Square.

However, I take gentle issue with him when he says one must go back to before the Second World War to detect a public piece of art that was well-executed, dignified and inspiring. On a recent visit to Sheffield I was struck deeply by Martin Jenningss 2016 work Women of Steel a simple, dignified and compelling celebration of the women who contributed to that great citys industry in two world wars.

Neville WhiteOrpington, Kent

SIR I would urge Simon Heffer to consider the excellent works by Alexander Sandy Stoddart in Scotland and, in particular, Edinburgh. I suggest he will find they satisfy his criteria for dignity and excellence.

John MaloneyEdinburgh

SIR If Simon Heffer was disappointed by the Harold Wilson in Huyton, he might find the one of him outside Huddersfield railway station more acceptable.

Commemorative sculpture doesnt have to be cautiously dignified. Graham Ibbesons representations of William Webb Ellis at Rugby, Fred Trueman in Skipton and of the footballersCunningham, Regis and Batson (the ThreeDegrees) in West Bromwich are all are all fitting tributes to important figures. Ibbesons statues, such as Eric Morecambe in his home town and Laurel and Hardy in Ulverston, often put a smile on the face of the passing public.

John BirkbeckBarnsley, South Yorkshire

SIR Sadly, it is not only public sculpture that is a dying art. The ability to produce a beautiful and detailed coin or medal has also been lost. It is no coincidence that Benedetto Pistruccis image of St George slaying the dragon still adorns our coinage after more than 200 years.

The real or symbolic scenes once depicted on our military medals were true works of art; now they lack detail, are simplistic and largely meaningless. The effigy of the Queen on modern medal issues is quite hideous. It is totally disproportionate, with a crown so large that Her Majestys head is pushed to the bottom of the frame.

Nicholas YoungLondon W13

SIR I fully concur with General Lord Dannatts article (Our success in Afghanistan was squandered, Comment, July 2).

In my recent book, I too pointed to the deleterious impact of the fatal 2003 Iraq War strategic diversion and the abject failure of both Britain and the US to supply sufficient military resources to contain the Taliban and thereby successfully nation build in Afghanistan. In addition I highlighted Britains specific political failure in view of her longer experience in Afghan political and military affairs to harnessfully the support of regional allies (notably India and Pakistan) and indigenous allies/collaborators (notably the Hazara) in stabilising this unfortunate nation.

We were far too complacent after our Christmas 2001 premature claims of victory and sacrificed far too many of our brave soldiers by failing to manage a country of which Sir Olaf Caroe, Britains last governor of the North West Province of India, said in 1947: Unlike other wars, Afghan wars only become serious when they are over.

Dr Edmund YorkeVisiting Research FellowUniversity of Reading

SIR Of course the emphasis post-lockdown should be on personal protection (report, July 4). I would agree that the wearing of face coverings and social distancing can be optional in most situations, but control should remain in some. I would include essential shops (easy to determine those that were allowed to open in the first lockdown) and public transport.

Personal protection is dependent upon the actions of others.

Dr Frank BoothExmouth, Devon

SIR On the same day that Cambridge University reported that they were resuming in-person graduation ceremonies for the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, my daughter, who graduated from Bishop Grosseteste University last year, received a message from that establishment stating that the deferred graduation ceremony, arranged for July 20, has been cancelled. Given that all restrictions are set to be lifted on July 19, this is another slap in the face for a group of young people who have already suffered greatly over the past 15 months.

Graduations are an important rite of passage, both for the graduates and for their families. There has been little enough to celebrate recently, and by this action Bishop Grosseteste has removed the opportunity for a family celebration that has long been anticipated.

Tony GreenHigh Wycombe, Buckinghamshire

SIR Your report on Britains reliance on electricity is very worrying (Power cuts will become more severe as electricity use explodes, June 16). To put all our eggs in one basket is crazy. Would it not be better also to use and concentrate development on alternative power sources such as hydrogen and biofuels?

John HeywoodKingsbridge, Devon

SIR Perhaps Cornelia van der Poll and her colleagues (Letters, July 2) and any other readers who are concerned about the direction of travel of the National Trust might like to consider joining the National Trust for Scotland.

My wife and I, despite being English and living in England, did this many years ago and we have not regretted it. It is an excellent and friendly organisation; it produces a splendid magazine, and it is not run by the woke brigade. Annual charges are less than the English version. We dont get the comprehensive printed guide to properties, but all the information we need is readily available online.

Give it a thought. A mass exodus of members to the National Trust for Scotland might concentrate a few minds in England.

David PoundDaventry, Northamptonshire

SIR Roger Bootle (Business, June 28) calls for downsizing to be encouraged through the abolition of stamp duty for the the many moving from properties that are under-occupied. The bigger problem for those seeking to downsize, however, is where to go next.

The Government and planners all seem wedded to the idea, sold to them by developers, that anyone over pension age is a last-time seller and thus ready to go straight into a granny flat. Most people in their sixties whose families have flown the nest can look forward to 20 years of good health. There are many who would happily downsize, but who are not ready to part with either a garden or with most of their possessions in order to squeeze into a flat 20 years too soon. They just want a smaller house.

The problem would seem to be that developers are allowed to build the houses they want to build, rather than the ones needed to complement and make best use of the existing housing stock.

Mike BussellYeovil, Somerset

SIR The ongoing overdevelopment of housing estates in the county has seen a huge increase in roadkill. The developers idea of landscaping is to plant token trees namely cherry, almond and birch.

These give no shelter to nesting birds and provide no autumn fruits for feed. Hedgehogs and birds die on the roads as they have to travel greater distances to forage for food.

Maggie SichelWellington, Shropshire

See the rest here:

Letters: Diana, Princess of Wales, deserved better than this unbecoming statue - Telegraph.co.uk