BREAKING: A new sculpture honoring Queen Elizabeth II is set to be unveiled on Birdcage Walk in central London as part of a national memorial. Acclaimed sculptor Karen Newman has been appointed to create a tribute that captures the late monarch’s “strong and complex personality.” This urgent announcement comes as the nation prepares to commemorate the Queen’s legacy.
Newman, known for her exceptional work honoring female heroes of the Second World War, expressed her deep honor in contributing to this significant memorial. “I am very much looking forward to portraying the strong and complex personality of our late Queen,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of representing her both as “an icon and as an individual.”
The new sculpture will complement a larger statue of the Queen by fellow artist Martin Jennings, which will be located nearby on The Mall, directly overlooking Buckingham Palace. This positioning reflects the lifelong partnership between the Queen and her late husband, Prince Philip, whose own statue will stand close to hers. Originally intended for a new Prince Philip Gate, the statue will now be placed near Marlborough Gate.
Jennings confirmed that the Queen’s statue will depict her standing, adhering to traditional representations of the House of Windsor. “After careful research and thought, my design for the Queen’s monument will emphasize her role as head of state,” he noted, reinforcing the significant impact of her reign.
The memorial, designed by Lord Foster, will include a “family of gardens” in St James’s Park, featuring winding paths and a new translucent glass unity bridge. The final designs for this national tribute are expected to be unveiled in April 2024, coinciding with what would have been the Queen’s 100th birthday.
Newman’s illustrious career includes notable works at Madame Tussauds, where she crafted wax figures of prominent figures, including Stevie Wonder and Yoko Ono. Her existing memorials, such as those honoring British secret agents Noor Inayat Khan and Violette Szabo, showcase her ability to bring historical figures to life through her art.
As excitement builds for the memorial, the Cabinet Office highlighted the emotional significance of these sculptures, stating they will serve as lasting tributes to the Queen’s remarkable life and service.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as London prepares to honor its beloved monarch.
