A video artwork by Turner Prize-winning artist Helen Cammock is removed from the National Portrait Gallery (NPG) in London after a week of public and political criticism over its claims about Winston Churchill’s role in the 1943 Bengal famine. The installation, titled “Persistence,” is described by multiple outlets as a roughly 40-minute video that includes references to the “wilful” or “deliberate” starvation of the Indian population by Churchill. Following criticism, the gallery withdrew the display on Monday, with the artist also pulling the work. Reports describe the controversy as reigniting debate over Churchill’s wartime legacy and the history of British colonialism, while also raising questions about the limits of free expression in museum displays. Several sources state that around 50 peers had written or spoken out against the work, increasing pressure on the NPG. Outlets also frame the dispute as part of a longstanding disagreement over how the Bengal famine should be interpreted. The NPG does not present a single unified account in the summaries provided, but the outlets agree the display was taken down in response to the backlash triggered by the artwork’s wording.
Helen Cammock artwork removed from National Portrait Gallery after Churchill famine row
A video artwork by Turner Prize-winning artist Helen Cammock is removed from the National Portrait Gallery (NPG) in London after a week of public and political criticism over its claims about Winston...
- Helen Cammock’s video installation “Persistence” is removed from the National Portrait Gallery in London.
- The artwork faced criticism over claims linking Winston Churchill to the 1943 Bengal famine.
- Multiple reports describe the work as referring to “wilful” or “deliberate” starvation of the Indian population.
- The withdrawal follows about a week of controversy and mounting pressure on the gallery.
- The dispute is presented by outlets as part of a broader debate about Churchill’s legacy and historical interpretation.
A prize-winning artwork accusing Winston Churchill of worsening the Bengal famine has been pulled from a London gallery after political pressure. The controversy has reignited a decades-old battle over Britain's colonial past, free speech and Churchill's legacy
1 month agoThe London-based museum has faced controversy over a video installation blaming Winston Churchill for a colonial-era famine in India.
2 months agoThe film sparked controversy over claims the wartime leader used ‘wilful’ mass starvation as part of the Bengal famine
2 months agoThe video installation had referred to the ‘wilful starvation’ of Indians by the former British prime minister, which sparked criticism from some quarters.
2 months agoArtist Helen Cammock's 40-minute video entitled 'Persistence' referred to 'the wilful starvation of the Indian population by Winston Churchill'.
2 months agoA video art installation has been taken down from the National Portrait Gallery after a row over its claim about the role of Sir Winston Churchill in the 1943 Bengal famine.
2 months ago
Death toll rises in Nepal and Tibet floods as more than 1,000 people reported missing
Deadly flash floods in Nepal and Tibet kill dozens as the reported death toll rises and search-and-rescue efforts contin...
Shailene Woodley Says Her ‘Amazing Spider-Man 2’ Scenes Were Cut
Shailene Woodley recalls being disappointed after learning that her filmed scenes for 2014’s The Amazing Spider-Man 2 we...
Bayern Munich beat Stuttgart 5-1 in Bundesliga opener with Olise and Diaz scoring
Bayern Munich defeat Stuttgart 5-1 in their Bundesliga season opener at home on Friday. Michael Olise and Luis Diaz each...