Sir, “The Case of Oscar Wilde’s Disappearing Cigarettes” (I use the plural advisedly), though perhaps not worthy of the attention of his friend and contemporary Arthur Conan Doyle, deserves to be aired in public (letters, Nov 24).

Maggi Hambling’s monument to my grandfather was unveiled in 1998 and, for practical reasons, had to be donated to Westminster Council with an endowment of £24,475 for its upkeep. Since then, Oscar has lost no less than four cigarettes, the latest being in hardened stainless steel.

On each occasion Hambling has replaced them without cost, but, understandably, will not provide a fifth unless the area is covered by CCTV to discourage vandalism. This the council refuses to do, saying that the cost will be £50,000.

The monument is controversial; it is much visited; it belongs to Westminster Council, which should maintain it and does not.

In his last years Wilde wrote to a friend: “I was a problem for which there was no solution.” Perhaps so in 1898. But after a century of giving pleasure to his public, can’t he now be allowed to enjoy a quiet fag in peace in the open air?

Merlin Holland

St Martin-sous-Montaigu

France

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