The National Trust has been forced to take down artwork celebrating women after Harry Potter author JK Rowling’s name was removed by a member of the public. 

Between April and November 2024, visitors of Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire were invited to nominate a “contemporary Virtuous Woman”, as part of the participatory artwork, ‘A Virtuous Woman’. 

Names of women chosen were then sewn into the collaborative artwork. 

Rowling’s name was stitched over twice during the participation phase, but now, the finished artwork has been taken down after a member of the public removed one of the stitchings bearing her name.

A spokesperson for the National Trust confirmed that the “artwork was open to contributions for eight months and closed in November when the piece was finished and put on public display.” 

“During the participation phase, JK Rowling’s name was stitched onto the piece seven times and in two instances it was stitched over by other participants,” they told PinkNews, adding that while the artwork was hung the author’s name appeared five times without any overstitching.

The National Trust spokesperson added: “We ask people not to damage or tamper with artworks once they are finished and on public display. 

“The piece has been taken off display for investigation and to protect it from further tampering or damage. We take all claims and incidents of damage to items in our care seriously and investigate each one.

 “We are now taking time to review the artwork and consider options for redisplay.”

The trust previously defended the stitching over Rowling’s name, stating that “contributions to the piece have been made by those who chose to take part.” 

It added that the news expressed are not reflective of the National Trust, the artist, Layla Khoo, or the university of Leeds. 

Rowling has gone from an almost-universally beloved children’s author to one of the most divisive and controversial figures in the UK due to her comments about trans people.

The writer recently announced the launch of the JK Rowling Women’s Fund to help support ‘gender-critical’ legal cases.

The post National Trust removes artwork bearing JK Rowling’s name to protect it from ‘tampering’ appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.