The Chair welcomed Councillor David Snowdon in accordance with the provisions of Part 4 of the Council’s Constitution and also Councillor Rania Khan, Cabinet Member for Culture and Heather Bonfield, Interim Service Head, Culture, Learning & Leisure who were in attendance to respond to the call-in.

Councillor Snowdon presented the reasons for the call-in outlining his concerns.  He stressed the significance of the sculpture. He alongside Councillor Archer had visited the sculpture. It was now time for residents of the Borough to benefit from it.

Crucially, Cllr Snowdon argued that the Mayor had failed to consider all of the options and the organisations that could host the work. He referred to a letter received from the Museum of London Docklands detailing how they could host the work safely and securely. They currently hosted other key art works and have the arrangements in place to store the sculpture. Like many galleries and museums, they are in a position to secure insurance, underwritten by the Government, through a scheme administrated by the Arts Council. This was not just about the financial benefits but about the cultural benefits to residents from returning the work to the Borough. A lack of consideration was given to this.

The Committee heard from the Director of Museum of London, Sharon Ament. She confirmed that they were prepared to host the work and had received many offers of support from other key groups. i.e. to transport,  install and help maintain it. She had written to the Mayor with this proposal in October 2012.  The Musuem would host it on a long-term loan basis, rather than transfer of ownership. The museum is free to access and they would have a programme of community engagement and education in relation to the works.  There had been mush discussion  and support for the proposal on social forums

Councillor Snowdon also queried the legality of the sale, whether the necessary legal documentation was in place to sell the work. Jill Bell, Service Head Legal, confirmed that it was.

The Committee heard from Councillor Joshua Peck. He reported that, in addition to the Museum of London Docklands offer, other institutions such as Queen Mary University of London had offered to host the work. A quote obtained from their insurers showed it could be insured for £2,000 a year, indicating it was possible to insure the work for a reasonable price. Other institutions that have  made offers to host the work or support its return to the borough were Christchurch Spitalfields, Morpeth School, Art Fund and Whitechapel Gallery. Furthermore 1200 people have signed a petition in support of its retention

Councillor Rania Khan and Heather Bonfield responded and their points were summarised as follows:

Councillor Rania Khan stated that the Cabinet appreciated that the sculpture was a great piece of art. She drew attention to the budget cuts and the absence of the sculpture from the Borough for 15 years with little attention.  Over half the people surveyed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5

1.             That the sculpture be offered for international sale at auction by Christie’s in February 2013, with a reserve price to be agreed by the Mayor in consultation with Christie’s and that the receipt received be used to invest in projects that benefit the community, including priority heritage projects.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR COMMUNITIES, LOCALITIES AND CULTURE (S. HALSEY)

Interim Service Head Culture, Learning and Leisure Services (H. Bonfield)

Councillor Rania Khan, Cabinet Member for Culture, introduced the report. She highlighted advice that the statue was uninsurable and the risks associated with displaying it in the borough. She also stated that money raised from a sale could be invested back into the local community.

Heather Bonfield, Interim Service Head, Culture, Learning and Leisure, reported to Cabinet that Canary Wharf Management had stated that they did not currently wish to take responsibility for the statue. She also stated that officers would look to ensure an appropriate reserve price was set.

The Mayor heard contributions from Cabinet Members who raised a number of points including that:

·        All realistic options for hosting the statue had been explored.

·        Any money raised could be invested back into the local community including in projects to support important local heritage such as Poplar Baths or local libraries.

·        If the statue went to auction it was important to ensure a good price was obtained.

The Mayor listened to further contributions including concerns about issues such as:

·        That not all options, including locations not directly in the public domain, had been considered.

·        That the risks had been overstated and similar examples were safely presented in the public domain.

·        The value could well rise further in future.

·        The heritage value of the statue but also the value of other local buildings and projects that could be supported by any money raised.

The Mayor highlighted that it was not a decision taken lightly and that all present valued the heritage value of the statue. However, he had a duty to work to protect services to local residents and that the money could be invested in local projects including those supporting local heritage. He therefore proposed to support the recommendation to move to a sale at auction.

Decision

1.             That the sculpture be offered for international sale at auction by Christie’s in February 2013, with a reserve price to be agreed by the Mayor in consultation with Christie’s and that the receipt received be used to invest in projects that benefit the community, including priority heritage projects.