Statues and Limitations

"Tim Knox, director of the Sir John Soane's Museum in London, says major historical figures are being overlooked for 'sentimental' memorials to lesser-known people. He named the monument to the Unknown Construction Worker on London's Tower Hill as an example."

"And former deputy leader of the Labour Party, Lord Hattersley, believes that only great individuals who changed the nation in some way are worthy of prominent memorials."

"While people like Lapper demonstrate a personal courage, says Lord Hattersley, they haven't changed the nation and he would like to see more cultural figures honoured, like Milton, Constable, Turner or Wren."

"'We just don't respect that kind of figure. There are too many military and political figures. In Parliament Square, I'm happy that Mandela is there but [former foreign secretaries] Castlereagh and Canning were not, to me, great men.'"

"The heroics of ordinary people have long been recognised in war memorials, of which there are about 10,000 in the UK. But in recent years the 'unknown soldier' has become more inclusive to recognise the part played by women (Whitehall) and even animals in war (Park Lane)."

"Since the 1960s there has been a new renaissance of public art, says Ian Leith, of the Public Monuments and Sculptures Association, and the range of statues this has produced is something to celebrate."

"'There are all sorts of people, fraternities and ideas going up, quite apart from the completely abstract sculptures.'"

"'There's a diversity of sculptures that's far more democratic and representative to our time than the types of sculptures that were going up 20-30 years ago.'"