Uploaded August 2020 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
This week, classicist and Museum trustee, Mary Beard joins Hartwig to discuss iconoclasm in Ancient Rome and what that can tell us about the current debates around removing statues in the modern public space.
During this challenging time, we’re bringing inspiring stories of humanity’s shared histories and cultural achievements to millions of people online. Your support ensures that we can continue to make the collection and programmes like this one available to as many people as possible. If you can, please donate today: ow.ly/1e1Y30qHebG
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Images:
Statue of Edward Colston, The Centre, Bristol; Image: Simon Cobb
Bristol on Sunday, 7 June 2020: Black Lives Matter sympathetic protesters have torn down philanthropist and slaves trader Edward Colston's statue Image: Gwydion M. Williams/flickr.com
The empty pedestal of the statue of Edward Colton in Bristol, the day after protesters felled the statue and rolled it into the harbour. The ground is covered with Black Lives Matter placards. Image: Caitlin Hobbs.
Under creative commons: creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en
#Iconoclasm #HearttoHartwig
This week, classicist and Museum trustee, Mary Beard joins Hartwig to discuss iconoclasm in Ancient Rome and what that can tell us about the current debates around removing statues in the modern public space.
During this challenging time, we’re bringing inspiring stories of humanity’s shared histories and cultural achievements to millions of people online. Your support ensures that we can continue to make the collection and programmes like this one available to as many people as possible. If you can, please donate today: ow.ly/1e1Y30qHebG
Or text DONATEBM to 70085 Texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message
Images:
Statue of Edward Colston, The Centre, Bristol; Image: Simon Cobb
Bristol on Sunday, 7 June 2020: Black Lives Matter sympathetic protesters have torn down philanthropist and slaves trader Edward Colston's statue Image: Gwydion M. Williams/flickr.com
The empty pedestal of the statue of Edward Colton in Bristol, the day after protesters felled the statue and rolled it into the harbour. The ground is covered with Black Lives Matter placards. Image: Caitlin Hobbs.
Under creative commons: creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en
#Iconoclasm #HearttoHartwig
![Can museums preserve the past while addressing the present? British Museum Debate [AUDIO ONLY]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/r25bQnhoEXg/mqdefault.jpg "Can museums preserve the past while addressing the present? British Museum Debate [AUDIO ONLY]
Traditionally, museums have been regarded as politically neutral institutions, avoiding involvement in contemporary debates. But as custodians of art and culture and knowledge-holders, should they actively engage with social and political concerns, using the collections in their care to take a stand? What responsibilities do universal museums bear in representing cultures from different times and places to the present generation within the context of their collection and wider audience engagement?
Join Margaret Casely-Hayford, Tom Holland, Grayson Perry and Simon Sebag-Montefiore in a debate chaired by Alice Thomson.")
