New Oscar Wilde statue condemned for being ‘hideous’ by author’s grandson

“There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.” 

Famous words from Oscar Wilde, who’d be thrilled that he is being talked about. We’re not sure how chuffed he’d be about the 'why'.  

A new black bronze sculpture of the famous Irish poet and playwright behind such works as "The Importance of Being Ernest" and "The Picture of Dorian Gray" has been unveiled. Designed by the late Scottish pop artist Sir Eduardo Paolozzi, who died in 2005, the effigy depicts Wilde as a segmented head and is destined to be erected in a public garden in Chelsea, south-west London, near Wilde’s former home.  

However, reactions to the conceptual artwork have been less than enthusiastic.  

“I’m all for any sort of innovations in modern art. But this does seem to me to be unacceptable,” commented Merlin Holland, Wilde expert and the author’s only grandchild.  

“It looks absolutely hideous,” he told The Observer.  

Holland continued: “It seems to say: ‘Here is a monument to a man whom society decapitated’.” 

Not entirely false, as Wilde was imprisoned after being convicted of gross indecency for homosexual acts. He died in poverty in 1900 in Paris, aged 46.  

“How do we want to remember him? Amusing, ­entertaining, engaging or carved up and beheaded for breaking the law of the time? I know which I prefer.” 

Paolozzi submitted a design of the model to a committee in 1995, arguing that the sculpture of Wilde should be conceptual, rather than representational. The sculpture was rejected at the time and a different model was selected. 

The Paolozzi Foundation said in a statement: “The foundation takes the view that everyone is entitled to their opinion, including Oscar Wilde's grandson. We also note that the