Mary Wollstonecraft statue sparks controversy

A statue of writer Mary Wollstonecraft has been criticised due to its nude depiction of the feminist icon.

The statue of Wollstonecraft was designed by sculptor Maggi Hambling, and features a naked woman emerging from a fusion of female bodies.

A quote from Ms Wollstonecraft appears below the piece that reads: “I do not wish women to have power over men, but over themselves.”

“A Sculpture for Mary Wollstonecraft challenges the traditional statue form by elevating an idea, personifying the spirit, rather than depicting the individual,” a statement explains.

While many have praised the statue, which was revealed on Tuesday, others have questioned why Ms Wollstonecraft is nude.

Others criticising the statue asked why nudity is the go-to choice for female statues, while male forms aren’t usually treated like that: “Can we see more nude warmongers and male prime ministers perhaps?” they added.

According to the campaigners who raised money for the statue over ten years, the statue, Sculpture for Mary Wollstonecraft, is cast in silvered bronze: “The sculpture combines female forms which commingle and rise together as if one, culminating in the figure of a woman standing free. She is Everywoman, her own person, ready to confront the world.”