UK govt draws flak for buying 1.5m pound sculpture for PM Rishi Sunak’s garden

Bronze sculpture by celebrated artist at UK PM’s garden

The bronze sculpture that is in the middle of the controversy is by the celebrated English artist Henry Moore. The UK government acquired the sculpture before sending it to 10 Downing Street.

The sculpture is titled ‘Working Model for Seated Woman’ and is an abstract 1980 sculpture. It conveys to the viewer a sense of pregnancy and maternity. Reports state that it was sold at a Christie’s auction and acquired by the Government Art Collection last month, which is government funded. The sculpture is part of the seated women’s sculptures created by the artist Henry Moore.

The purchase of the sculpture has triggered a row while the country faces soaring inflation, high household bills, and multiple public funding cost-cutting measures.

FAQs:

1. Why is the sculpture purchase being criticised?
   The country is facing economic troubles right now, and the use of public money to buy an extravagant sculpture is being questioned.
2. What is the comment by Downing Street?
   Downing Street has stated that there wasn’t any involvement of politicians in the decision to purchase the artwork.
3. What is the history of Moore and Downing Street?
   For the last 40 years, the garden at 10 Downing Street has displayed a sculpture by Moore. The sculptures are regularly rotated as requested by the late sculptor’s charitable foundation.