The Evening Standard plans to use AI to bring back legendary critic Brian Sewell for reviews, amid major layoffs and a shift to weekly editions.

The London Evening Standard has announced a groundbreaking, albeit controversial, move to revive the late Brian Sewell using artificial intelligence. Nearly a decade after his death, the revered art critic could soon return to the pages of the historic newspaper, giving his take on contemporary exhibitions once again.

Sewell, who passed away in 2015 at the age of 84, was one of Britain’s most influential and outspoken art critics. Known for his sharp, sometimes scathing reviews, he worked for the Evening Standard for over 30 years, where he built a reputation as a formidable voice in the world of art critique. His most famous quips included dismissing a Damien Hirst exhibition as “detestable” and asserting that only men were capable of “aesthetic greatness.” He was also known for his controversial opinion that Banksy “should have been put down at birth,” which made headlines for its bluntness.

This AI resurrection comes amidst significant changes at the Evening Standard. The 197-year-old publication recently announced it would transition to a weekly format, ceasing its daily press operations. The shift was accompanied by around 150 job cuts, including 70 editorial roles, prompting concern and scepticism among staff. However, as part of a new strategy, the newspaper is turning to AI to help maintain its editorial presence.

Sources have confirmed that Sewell’s AI-generated reviews will debut with a review of The National Gallery’s highly anticipated Van Gogh exhibition, “Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers.” The decision has sparked mixed reactions, particularly given the current climate of staffing cuts and the increasing reliance on technology in media.

This bold move has reportedly been discussed at the highest levels of the Evening Standard, including consultations with Lord Lebedev, the newspaper’s owner. Dylan Jones, the newspaper’s editor-in-chief, did not respond to requests for comment on the matter.

Sewell’s iconic critiques and his regular appearances on British television, including documentaries like Brian Sewell’s Grand Tour and Dirty Dalí: A Private View, helped cement his status as a public intellectual. He was also a familiar face on BBC’s Have I Got News for You, where his unapologetic opinions made him a beloved figure in British media.

With this AI initiative, the Evening Standard hopes to bring the voice of one of the UK’s most iconic critics back to life in a modern context. However, it remains to be seen whether this innovation will be embraced by readers or seen as a step too far in the paper’s attempt to reinvent itself in the face of a rapidly changing media landscape.