The empty plinth

Sir, The discussion about the “empty plinth” in Trafalgar Square and what sort of statue or sculpture should be placed there (letter, July 30) seems to assume that it is wrong that the plinth is still empty and that anything placed on it should, in the jargon of the day, be “cutting edge”.

But there is a huge chasm between the narrow elite that creates and promotes contemporary art and the general public, which by and large has no sympathy with the self-indulgent fripperies of modernism.

There is no reason why anything should be placed on the plinth at all, but if it is, it must be solemn, traditional, and in context. Richard Cork (T2, July 29) talks in disparaging tones about Landseer’s fine lions; I believe they enhance the dignity and monumentality of a great square in a great city.