Sir, - The Corporation is to be congratulated in its choice of the winning entry. Few architects should mind losing to Ian Ritchie's beautiful design. I don't. Without doubt, everyone should wish it well and consider how the city's modern identity has evolved since Gandon defended the foundations of the Custom House with a sword.
Although I think the monument might be better , in the first alternative, built from decommissioned gun metal and, in the second alternative, from stronger, more inert and less glossy titanium, rather than stainless steel, the excitement this project will generate is entirely justified.
In due course, the Corporation may wish to consider what languages, texts and even illuminations (as in manuscripts) might over time enhance the base in place of the otherwise inevitable graffiti; but perhaps graffiti is best?
However, let not this consideration slow the project down! Congratulations all round! - Yours, etc., John Somervillelarge,
Great Portland Street, London W1.