National Trust removes art to protect it from 'tampering'

WORK FEATURING CONTROVERSIAL AUTHOR JK ROWLING'S NAME HAS BEEN SUBJECT OF VARIOUS ATTACKS

- By CHARLOTTE MCLAUGHLIN

AN artwork featuring author JK Rowling's name has been taken down by the National Trust, which wants to “protect it from further tampering or damage”.

Visitors who went to Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire between April and November 2024 were invited to nominate a ‘contemporary Virtuous Woman,’ whose name was then sewn into the fabric.

Since the project ended, the participatory artwork, A Virtuous Woman, has continued to be on display, featuring Rowling’s name which was at an unspecified time “stitched over by other participants”.

Last week on social media, feminist campaigner Jean Hatchet said she had “corrected” the work by taking off the stitching over Harry Potter author Rowling’s name.

It follows criticism of Scotland-based Rowling’s views on gender issues that have seen her called transphobic by activists, which she has denied.