A controversial life-size statue of Greta Thunberg has been unveiled at Winchester University despite being branded a ‘vanity project’ by critics.
The £24,000 bronze sculpture of the environmental activist, 18, has been placed on the Hampshire university campus to reflect its values on ‘sustainability and social justice’
But many locals have questioned the decision, with some saying a tribute to Kev Collick, the local Big Issue seller, would have been more popular.
It is believed to be the first life-sized depiction of the Swedish activist since she gained international attention by starting a school climate strike in 2018.
After a year of work the statue – which cost £23,760 and was funded by the university as part of its £50million West Downs Centre development – has been unveiled.
The backlash has continued despite the official unveiling, as the Winchester University and College Union (UCU) posted a motion of censure on social media.
It called the sculpture, which was commissioned in 2019, a ‘vanity project’.
The £24,000 bronze sculpture of Greta Thunberg (pictured), 18, has been placed on Winchester University’s campus to reflect its values on ‘sustainability and social justice’
It is believed to be the first life-sized depiction of the Swedish activist since she gained international attention by starting a school climate strike in 2018
It said the funding should have been spent on preventing redundancies and cuts at the university.
It added: ‘To be clear our concerns are about the expenditure and transparency of decision making by the university, which have long been opaque, not the subject of the statue.’
The university’s vice-chancellor Professor Joy Carter said no funds were diverted from student support or from staffing.
She said: ‘The university’s approach to art is to commission or purchase unusual and striking pieces which embody our distinctiveness and values.
‘Greta is a young woman who, in spite of difficulties in her life, has become a world leading environmental activist.
‘As the university for sustainability and social justice we are proud to honour this inspirational woman in this way.
‘We know that many find her a controversial figure. As a university we welcome reasoned debate and critical conversations.
Winchester University came under fire for plans to erect a life-size sculpture of Ms Thunberg – with residents saying she has nothing to do with the city. Pictured, during construction
The sculpture, titled Make a Difference, was created by artist Christine Charlesworth and depicts the activist with her arms outstretched
It is believed to be the first life-sized depiction of the 18-year-old Swedish activist. Miss Thunberg gained international attention after starting a school climate strike in 2018
‘We hope her statue will help to inspire our community, reminding us that no matter what life throws at us we can still change the world for the better.
‘That is a message we want all our students and all young people to hear.’
The sculpture, titled Make a Difference, was created by artist Christine Charlesworth and depicts the activist with her arms outstretched.
She said: ‘It is hard to deny her courage and determination. As is often the case with people on the autism spectrum, social interaction is difficult for her.
‘It is therefore even more remarkable that she has been able to forefront the mobilisation of young people in support of global environmental protection and to address world leaders on a face-to-face basis.’
She previously revealed the interview committee for the sculpture wanted Miss Thunberg to be sitting on the ground in a yellow coat – in reference to her attire when skipping school in favour of a solo strike to campaign for better climate policy.
The University of Winchester, which aims to be carbon neutral by 2025, declared a climate and ecological emergency in 2019 and has eliminated all unnecessary single-use plastic across its campus.
Many locals have reacted angrily to the decision, with some saying a tribute to Kev Collick (pictured), the local Big Issue seller, would have been a more popular choice
Not everyone in the cathedral city agreed that it was a good way to spend the cash as one critic, Anne Goodchild, said a sculpture of a well known local would have more support.
She said: ‘[What about] Kev the guy who sells the homeless paper in the high [street]…[he’s] definitely a Winchester icon.’
Kev, who is no longer homeless, is a fixture of Winchester’s streets and has supported several charities alongside selling the Big Issue for years.
The 45-year-old, who found himself on the streets after he was put into care as a child, is regularly spotted donning a Christmas tree costume to raise funds for Children in Need.
Another local, Michelle Coombs, added: ‘I think the sculpture itself is very good but Greta has no connection with Winchester, or am I wrong?’
The £24,000 bronze design sculpture of the environmental campaigner – named ‘Make a Difference’ – was commissioned by Winchester University as an ‘inspiration for all students’, and will feature on the new £50million West Downs Centre campus
Another, Simon Dixon, said the statue was a ‘total waste of money’ as others questioned whose ‘bright idea’ it was in the first place.
Mark Robinson acknowledged students at the university may feel differently.
He said: ‘To be fair Greta probably is inspirational to many of the current generation of students and given that it’s at the university I don’t think there is a particular reason for a strong Winchester connection.
‘Usually statues are erected to reflect a long lasting legacy and that will be the test with this one.’
In August 2019 members of Extinction Rebellion organised a ‘Die in’ protest in the affluent Hampshire city where they lay down in the middle of the high street to protest against air quality monitoring on local roads.