Artwork removed from National Portrait Gallery after row over Churchill’s role in Bengal famine
The National Portrait Gallery has removed a video installation by artist Helen Cammock following intense criticism from peers and politicians. The work drew controversy for comparing Winston Churchill's role in the Bengal famine to historical atrocities.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between artistic freedom of expression and the historical interpretation of national figures in public institutions.
Helen Cammock, a joint winner of the Turner prize in 2019, said ‘enquiry and challenge’ were core parts of an artist’s work. Photograph: Sebastiano Luciano View image in fullscreen Helen Cammock, a joint winner of the Turner prize in 2019, said ‘enquiry and challenge’ were core parts of an artist’s work. Photograph: Sebastiano Luciano National Portrait Gallery Artwork removed from National Portrait Gallery after row over Churchill’s role in Bengal famine Turner prize winner Helen Cammock withdraws piece after 50 peers criticise claim former PM ‘starved people’
The article presents the controversy by quoting both the artist's defense of 'enquiry' and the specific objections raised by peers and critics.
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