10 years ago today, an inch of stone taken from England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike, ignited controversy after being displayed at an art exhibition in London.
Oscar Santillan, an Ecuadorian artist, removed the rock from the 3,209ft summit and presented it on a plinth as part of his artwork titled 'The Intruder', showcased at the Copperfield Gallery in Southwark.
Santillan faced backlash from various Lake District organisations, who accused him of "essentially vandalising the mountain."
However, he defended his actions, stating: "Collecting a pebble at the beach or a strange-looking rock during hiking are very common sensitive things we all do guided by our curiosity.
"I can honestly say that I have not harmed such a wonderful place in any way.
"What I have done is a small suggestive gesture that reflects on the way in which humans have imposed their cultural categories over nature.
"I am very respectful of nature and was deeply sad to see people leave so much of their trash behind which I did my best to collect on my way down."
Despite his views, many locals were outraged.
Ian Stephens, managing director of Cumbria Tourism, expressed his discontent, saying: "We are all aware that Cumbria’s landscape has long inspired generations of artists.
"These include international greats like J.M.W. Turner, Ruskin, Schwitters and Li Yyan-chia.
"This is taking the mickey and we want the top of our mountain back."
Derek Cockell, secretary of the Wainwright Society, added: "What surprises me is that the artist comes from a country blessed with a magnificent range of mountains and yet doesn't seem to understand the appeal of mountain climbing."
"Perhaps Oscar Santillan should reflect on AW's words about 'the solitude and silence of the peaks' before thinking he has re-defined the English landscape by his action of taking one of the millions of stones scattered across the roof of England."
Terry Abraham, creator of the BBC film ‘Life Of A Mountain - Scafell Pike’, remarked: "The message of my film was to inspire people and enlighten them about the heritage of the area and to treat it with respect.
"But then you get this artist who has essentially vandalised the mountain which sends out completely the wrong message."
Steve Watkins, editor of Outdoor Photography magazine, said: "We are outraged that the gallery is giving a platform to this sort of work that not only encourages but actually champions people damaging our national parks."
In promotional material for the exhibition, the gallery described the artwork, statingL "At a glance it is seemingly insignificant and yet the material is carefully presented.
"Scaling Scafell Pike in the Lake District, the artist has stolen the uppermost inch of the highest mountain in England.
"An entire nation’s height is modified and its landscape re-defined by means of a single careful action."
This story was first reported on March 26, 2015.
Share