Stephen Deuchar is the director of the Art Fund and Rania Khan is the cabinet member for culture and regeneration for Tower Hamlets Council
Dear Rania
No, for three very good reasons. First, it would go against the wishes of the artist, who wanted the east London public to be able to take pleasure in art of the highest quality.
Second, as a financial gesture it would be short-term: the true market value of the sculpture is probably around £5m, which represents just 0.3% of Tower Hamlets’ annual expenditure – about one day’s worth, by my reckoning.
And third there is no documentary proof that it’s owned by Tower Hamlets Council; indeed Bromley Council, who don’t want to sell it, think it’s theirs.
Stephen
Dear Stephen
Of course the director of the Art Fund will want to preserve the status quo for artworks, but as I’m elected by the local community to serve their best interests, I take a more rounded view. Yes, Tower Hamlets’ budget is large, but this reflects the level of problems and deprivation we experience.
Tell a family for whom the sale of this piece means the difference between having a home or not it’s “short term” – I believe they will beg to differ. No one can say with certainty what Moore would say about this today. And no one else has proved that they own it!
Rania
Dear Rania
Henry Moore’s daughter Mary has been among the most vocal objectors to Tower Hamlets’ plans to sell the work.
The argument about rehousing an individual family doesn’t stack up either: creaming off money from other budgets does not represent sound financial planning, and if the council believes the sale is justified on these grounds one would have to question their ability to use public funds responsibly.
Local feeling is strongly against the sale. Bromley’s case for ownership is detailed and convincing – so I think we will be spared the sorry sight of a shoddy sell-off.
Stephen
Dear Stephen
While Mary is clearly passionate about preserving her father’s work, the context for this has changed as the original estate has long been demolished. Having been raised in poverty I believe Henry Moore would have more empathy with the needs of our community than you give him credit for.
Our sound financial strategies have ensured we have the best house building record in the country, while we are expanding our library service and preserving our arts centres, unlike many other councils.
Bromley has not proved ownership, so your statement is premature. Public opinion is not clear cut; a recent poll in a local paper had 55% in favour of a sale.
Rania
Dear Rania
It is widely acknowledged that the poll was weighted and didn’t give a fair representation of public opinion. We, the local MP and the mayor have had many letters and emails from residents fiercely opposing the sale.
We’re thrilled to hear that Tower Hamlets Council is expanding its library service and preserving its arts centre – clearly understanding the importance of culture in any vibrant community.
What a fantastic opportunity the council has to bring Old Flo back home and to make her a star attraction – standing as a beacon of hope in the community. Our offer to meet and discuss how we can help bring Old Flo back still stands.
Stephen
Dear Stephen
The poll was by a local paper and fairly represents local views – the opposition predominantly comes from the art elite, not our residents. We are proud of our heritage in Tower Hamlets, but recognise life moves on.
We don’t have libraries, but Idea Stores, which are feted as the most innovative and successful facilities in the country. We safeguard art sited here, but ensure new developments have art works by emerging artists – like Henry Moore was in the 1950s. Old Flo has been “missing” for 15 years, marooned in a totally alien environment.
Where was the hue and cry to bring her home during her long exile? Nowhere to be seen! We will welcome the help of the Art Fund and others to further develop our cultural offer, but have no wish to turn the clock back.
Rania
Dear Rania
No, for three very good reasons. First, it would go against the wishes of the artist, who wanted the east London public to be able to take pleasure in art of the highest quality.
Second, as a financial gesture it would be short-term: the true market value of the sculpture is probably around £5m, which represents just 0.3% of Tower Hamlets’ annual expenditure – about one day’s worth, by my reckoning.
And third there is no documentary proof that it’s owned by Tower Hamlets Council; indeed Bromley Council, who don’t want to sell it, think it’s theirs.
Stephen
Dear Stephen
Of course the director of the Art Fund will want to preserve the status quo for artworks, but as I’m elected by the local community to serve their best interests, I take a more rounded view. Yes, Tower Hamlets’ budget is large, but this reflects the level of problems and deprivation we experience.
Tell a family for whom the sale of this piece means the difference between having a home or not it’s “short term” – I believe they will beg to differ. No one can say with certainty what Moore would say about this today. And no one else has proved that they own it!
Rania
Dear Rania
Henry Moore’s daughter Mary has been among the most vocal objectors to Tower Hamlets’ plans to sell the work.
The argument about rehousing an individual family doesn’t stack up either: creaming off money from other budgets does not represent sound financial planning, and if the council believes the sale is justified on these grounds one would have to question their ability to use public funds responsibly.
Local feeling is strongly against the sale. Bromley’s case for ownership is detailed and convincing – so I think we will be spared the sorry sight of a shoddy sell-off.
Stephen
Dear Stephen
While Mary is clearly passionate about preserving her father’s work, the context for this has changed as the original estate has long been demolished. Having been raised in poverty I believe Henry Moore would have more empathy with the needs of our community than you give him credit for.
Our sound financial strategies have ensured we have the best house building record in the country, while we are expanding our library service and preserving our arts centres, unlike many other councils.
Bromley has not proved ownership, so your statement is premature. Public opinion is not clear cut; a recent poll in a local paper had 55% in favour of a sale.
Rania
Dear Rania
It is widely acknowledged that the poll was weighted and didn’t give a fair representation of public opinion. We, the local MP and the mayor have had many letters and emails from residents fiercely opposing the sale.
We’re thrilled to hear that Tower Hamlets Council is expanding its library service and preserving its arts centre – clearly understanding the importance of culture in any vibrant community.
What a fantastic opportunity the council has to bring Old Flo back home and to make her a star attraction – standing as a beacon of hope in the community. Our offer to meet and discuss how we can help bring Old Flo back still stands.
Stephen
Dear Stephen
The poll was by a local paper and fairly represents local views – the opposition predominantly comes from the art elite, not our residents. We are proud of our heritage in Tower Hamlets, but recognise life moves on.
We don’t have libraries, but Idea Stores, which are feted as the most innovative and successful facilities in the country. We safeguard art sited here, but ensure new developments have art works by emerging artists – like Henry Moore was in the 1950s. Old Flo has been “missing” for 15 years, marooned in a totally alien environment.
Where was the hue and cry to bring her home during her long exile? Nowhere to be seen! We will welcome the help of the Art Fund and others to further develop our cultural offer, but have no wish to turn the clock back.
Rania
