Broadcasting and Public Art - Breathing

I was asked by somebody recently: What's that funny looking cone on the roof of Broadcasting House? Is it a new type of satellite dish? A conical aerial? A folly?

Actually, it's a piece of public art called Breathing which is a memorial to journalists and news staff killed whilst doing their job.

A great deal has been written elsewhere about the sculpture - how it was created by Jaume Pleansa and how it was unveiled in June 2008 by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. But I was prompted to reflect as we start a new year and a new decade about why the BBC does stuff life this.

Firstly, in order to re-build Broadcasting House the conditions of the Town Planning consent required the BBC to invest part of the budget in Public Art.

Secondly, and more importantly in my humble opinion, is the existence of a memorial which is dedicated to the 200+ reporters who sacrificed their lives in the cause of free expression.

If you do happen to be in

Breathing lit up at night