After telling the readers of The Times what he thought about the statue of Margaret Thatcher designed for Parliament Square (see below), Alistair Lexden criticised it strongly again in the London Evening Standard on 26 January. The short piece appeared under the heading “Thatcher statue was quite rightly rejected”.
There are several reasons for applauding Westminster council’s decision to turn down the proposed statue of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher [“Architect handbags council for rejecting Thatcher statue”, January 24].
It is far too soon after her death, in April 2013, and her family do not like the design. But above all, it is not worthy of her.
A peer’s robes cascade impressively around the person (as they do in Benjamin Disraeli’s statue to which the plinth designer refers). However, Thatcher is depicted in what looks like a non-conformist minister’s gown with frills and a chain added. Where is the strength of character for which she will always be remembered?
She has been given the tired, mournful expression of a person whose life has been a failure, which couldn’t be further from the truth. This statue must be junked.
Lord Lexden
House of Lords (Con)