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Black Lives Matter Statue On Edward Colston Plinth Removed By Bristol Council

Black Lives Matter Statue On Edward Colston Plinth Removed By Bristol Council

The statue portraying protester Jen Reid has been taken to the city's museum

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

The statue of Black Lives Matter protester Jen Reid that was erected on the plinth of the Edward Colston statue has been taken down by Bristol Council.

The statue, which was erected under cover of darkness yesterday, was created by artist Marc Quinn and is entitled 'A Surge of Power'.

However, it was put on the plinth without the permission of the local authorities, and they've now decided to take it down.

Workers were seen dismantling the statue in the early hours of this morning, and the council says that it has been moved to the city's museum.

PA

A spokesperson said: "It will be held at our museum for the artist to collect or donate to our collection."

Yesterday, Bristol's mayor Marvin Rees said that the statue had been 'put up without permission' but maintained that he understands that 'people want expression' within the city.

He added: "Anything put on the plinth outside of the process we've put in place will have to be removed."

In statement, Rees said that the decision on what ends up on the platform will be taken after consultation with the entire city.

The statement read: "The sculpture that has been installed today was the work and decision of a London based artist. It was not requested and permission was not given for it to be installed.

PA

"We have set out a process to manage our journey. We have established a history commission which will help us tell our full city history.

"As we learn this fuller history including the part played by black people, women, the working class, trade unions, and children among others, we will be in a better position to understand who we are, how we got here and who we wish to honour.

"Crucial to our heritage has been the harbour and the docks, manufacturing and industry, research and innovation, transport, slum clearances, housing, modern gentrification and faith.

"As the commission shares this information, the city will decide on city memorials and the future of the plinth."

The statue portrays Reid standing atop the plinth, as she did in the immediate aftermath of the slave trader Colston's statue being taken down and thrown into the nearby harbour.

PA

After the protest, Reid told BBC News: "When I was stood there on the plinth, and raised my arm in a Black Power salute, it was totally spontaneous.

"I didn't even think about it. It was like an electrical charge of power was running through me. This sculpture is about making a stand for my mother, for my daughter, for black people like me."

Speaking yesterday, Quinn said: "Jen created the sculpture when she stood on the plinth and raised her arm in the air. Now we're crystallising it."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Black Lives Matter, World News, UK News