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Camden News - by SIMON WROE
Published: 16 October 2008

Detail of Paul Day’s controversial work

Sculptor: Train fall image had to go if it offended

Creator of controversial frieze admits ‘miscalculation’ but says critics have missed point

THE sculptor behind an artwork showing a man falling under a train has criticised the media firestorm that means it will not now be seen by travellers at St Pancras station.
Artist Paul Day has defended the image – part of a bronze frieze planned for the base of the 30ft Meeting Place sculpture – saying it had been “taken out of context” by the press.
The image showed a businessman falling, or jumping, from a crowded Underground platform while a Grim Reaper figure drives a train towards him – all reflected in a giant pair of sunglasses. It is uncertain whether a woman with her arm outstretched is pushing the man or trying to save him.
Rob Holden, chief executive of London and Continental Railways (LCR), ruled on Monday that the segment (one of 20 in the final frieze) was “completely unsuitable”. He confirmed it would be axed after it was condemned by train drivers, support groups and families of suicide victims.
Speaking from his home in France, Mr Day told the New Journal this week: “[The press] used those reactions in the heat of an emotional moment and showed images completely out of context to create an opposition to that particular image.
“It’s like taking a few lines out of an Agatha Christie novel and describing her as a morbid writer of serial killing – it just misses the point completely. Part of art’s redemptive power, if it has any power at all, is to poke its nose into the dark and ugly places and draw out meaning and beauty and thought.”
But Mr Day admitted he had made a “miscalculation” and was thankful problems had been highlighted ahead of the final bronze.
He said: “It was really not intended to cause offence and since offence has been taken action has been taken to change it.”
“On a social level, I think society has to expose its wounds to effect healing. On the other hand, I recognise that railway drivers actually face the real fear of the possibility of somebody falling. On a personal level if my images caused offence to one person deeply then I think I would want to remove it.”
When Mr Day unveiled his sculpture of lovers embracing on the concourse last year critics accused it of “lacking bite”.
The frieze is due for completion in June 2009.
Mr Day said LCR had remained supportive despite the controversy. He added: “There are plenty of loudmouthed people who will continue to find my sculpture atrocious.
“It’s big. It’s an easy target for those who want to throw things at it. What bothers me is that the general public are happy with it and find it in some way moving.”

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