An Austen statue in Winchester

Plans to honour Jane Austen with a statue near her final resting place in Winchester Cathedral have sparked spirited discussion among admirers and critics alike. Sculptor Martin Jennings’ revised design portrays Austen standing beside a writing table, her expression one of quiet contemplation—a nod to her brilliance as a novelist.

The statue, to be located in the cathedral’s Inner Close, will follow the route of her funeral procession. Supporters, including Canon Roland Riem, Vice-Dean of the cathedral, view the project as a poignant tribute that will not only enrich Winchester’s cultural offerings but also deepen the city’s ties to Austen’s literary legacy.

Not everyone, however, welcomes the idea. Critics have raised concerns about the potential “Disneyfication” of this sacred space, worrying it may become little more than a backdrop for tourist photographs. Elizabeth Proudman, former chairman of the Jane Austen Society, has questioned whether Austen herself would have approved of such attention, remarking, “We don’t know what [Austen] looked like, but we do know that she despised publicity.” Jennings, aware of these sensitivities, concedes that Austen might have balked at such a public memorial during her lifetime, but he defends the statue as a fitting celebration of her legacy, adding, “After death, she belongs to all of us.”

Despite the debate, the project has received official approval, and installation is planned for September 2025 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Austen’s birth. Jennings has eschewed any attempt to replicate Austen’s exact appearance, instead striving to encapsulate her essence as a writer and thinker. Whether hailed as a heartfelt homage or dismissed as unnecessary fanfare, the statue promises to inspire reflection on Austen’s enduring influence and the ways we continue to honour her remarkable life and work.