The National Portrait Gallery withdraws a video installation by artist Helen Cammock after a public dispute over its depiction of Winston Churchill’s role in the Bengal famine. According to multiple reports, the installation includes a 40-minute video in which Cammock refers to “the wilful starvation of the Indian population by Winston Churchill.” The work led to controversy and allegations related to how Churchill is portrayed, including claims that the installation suggests “wilful” mass starvation as part of the Bengal famine.
BBC News reports that the display is removed following the row about what the installation asserts regarding Churchill and the famine. The Independent similarly reports that the film prompted criticism over its characterisation of Churchill’s responsibility. The Evening Standard also describes the video as the cause of the dispute and notes the gallery’s decision to pull the work.
The outlets agree on the central facts: the installation is presented at the National Portrait Gallery, it triggers controversy connected to Bengal famine claims about Churchill, and the gallery withdraws the display following the disagreement.
