Sir – I would like to comment in the letter from Jane Moir (October 29) about the relief which stood on the County Maternity Hospital in Walton Street.
In fact, after extensive research, it was established that the work was by Epstein, not Gill although it looks like his work.
The relief looked down on Jericho for over 70 years and local residents had an affectionate attachment to it, even those not born within the hospital.
When the University announced its plans for the area it was requested that the relief be handed to the local community so that it could be erected again in the heart of Jericho. The University agreed but later withdrew its offer.
The people of Jericho, apparently, were not considered to be worthy recipients of such a sculpture. It has now been put into storage for the foreseeable future. The destruction of the hospital is regretted as it formed a distinctive and handsome building which was capable of conversion.
This case is even stronger when it is anticipated what is to replace it, a speculative office-type building which lacks all character.
Paul Hornby, Jericho, Oxford
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