Marylebone Cricket Club’s iconic Lord’s ground hosts a new exhibition of Syrian paintings in its historic pavilion, intended to express solidarity with the Middle Eastern nation. Some members voice strong objections, accusing the display of politicizing the venue.
Member Protests Politicization
The artwork appeared last week as the cricket season began. One member described the paintings as underwhelming and suggested they serve to promote a progressive image for the club. Author and longtime MCC member Michael Henderson posted a signed note on the pavilion noticeboard, stating: ‘Members may have noted the daubs upstairs and the club’s endorsement of “creativity” and “solidarity”. “Solidarity” with whom? The human race, perhaps. We can all agree on that. But this “exhibition” is nudging us towards another view; a partial one. This is meant to be a cricket club.’
The club has navigated similar cultural clashes recently. Modernizers pushed to rename the Warner Stand over historical ties to the slave trade. Former MCC president Sir Stephen Fry criticized some members as ‘fleshy white Englishmen’ and ‘stinking’ of privilege. Committees also attempted to remove the Eton versus Harrow match and Varsity fixture from the schedule citing elitism, but members voted to retain them.
One member links the exhibition to Emma John, chair of the MCC’s heritage and collections committee. Upon joining in 2018, John declared her aim to ‘fight to influence the MCC’s culture from inside’ on diversity and inclusivity matters.
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Regan responds: ‘I was as surprised as you. Not entirely sure what I did to make the list.’
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King Charles Mourns Designer Friend Alec Cobbe
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