Statue of Anti-Racism Protester Removed From Edward Colston Plinth in Bristol

The stay of a statue of an anti-racism protester on the vacant plinth of slave trader Edward Colston in Bristol has proven short-lived, with authorities removing it early on July 16.

Artist Marc Quinn created the piece, entitled A Surge of Power (Jen Reid) 2020, based on an image he had seen on Instagram of local resident Jen Reid, who stood on the empty plinth with her fist raised after protesters toppled the Colston statue in June.

The new work was placed on the plinth early on July 15.

Quinn and Reid told Bristol Live the piece was not intended as a permanent installation. The city council told the paper the new work would be held at a municipal museum for Quinn to collect, or donate to their collection.

Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees has said a permanent plan for the plinth would be decided by the people of Bristol. Credit: @Anth0ny_Ward via Storyful