Italy’s historic bull monument in Milan has become the subject of international ridicule after a botched restoration left the statue looking like a cartoonish caricature. British heritage experts have stepped in, offering their own conservation standards to prevent future disasters. The bull, a symbol of the city’s financial district, was meant to be a tribute to the resilience of Italian industry.
Instead, it now stands as a stark reminder of the risks of cutting corners on public art. Local residents have voiced their anger, with many calling for stricter oversight. One passer-by told me: ‘This is an insult.
They should have hired proper conservators, not bargain-basement painters.’ The episode underscores a broader crisis in heritage protection across Europe, as cash-strapped councils turn to cheaper, less skilled labour. British experts from the National Trust have offered to train Italian teams, but the offer has been met with cautious acceptance.
‘We need standards,’ says Dr. Eliza Thornton, a conservationist from York. ‘This is what happens when you ignore them.
’ The Milan bull is now a laughing stock, but the lesson is clear: without investment and expertise, our shared history is at risk.
