New royal statue row as critics say latest likeness of Queen Elizabeth II is 'terrible' and a waste of public funds

  • Reading time:4 min(s) read

A new life-size bronze sculpture of Queen Elizabeth II has received mixed reviews, as some people praised the likeness while others labelled it a ‘waste of public funds’. 

The statue, originally commissioned to mark the Platinum Jubilee in 2022, was unveiled last Friday in the picturesque market town of Andover, Hampshire. 

An official ceremony was held at the Town Mills Riverside Park, attended by the Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire and artist Amy Goodman who created the piece. 

The piece depicts the monarch in her later years and shows the Queen wearing a robe adorned with pictures inspired by the community.

It is the first of two sculptures being created by Goodman, with the second piece — also of the Queen — expected to be installed in Romsey next year.

But the piece has received mixed reviews online, with some people saying it is ‘stunning’ and ‘wonderful work’, while others said it was of ‘terrible quality and likeness’.

One comment on the Andover Facebook forum said: ‘Stunning. Please let it be respected both for the Majesty she was and for the amazing artist who recreated her regalness.’

A new life-size bronze sculpture of Queen Elizabeth II (pictured) has received mixed reviews, as some people praised the likeness while others labelled it a 'waste of public funds'

A new life-size bronze sculpture of Queen Elizabeth II (pictured) has received mixed reviews, as some people praised the likeness while others labelled it a ‘waste of public funds’

The piece depicts the monarch in her later years and shows the Queen wearing a robe adorned with pictures inspired by the community

The piece depicts the monarch in her later years and shows the Queen wearing a robe adorned with pictures inspired by the community

Another person said: ‘In my life I can only remember Queen Elizabeth and she ruled this country and loved its people. This is a great statue and I hope it will remain intact and never vandalised. A wonderful work.’ 

Read More

Monumentally awful! All the royal sculptures that split opinion

article image

However, one person said: ‘Empty shops, homeless, potholes.. I’m sure they could have spent the money better.’

Another added: ‘God awful statue. Terrible quality and likeness. Gross waste of public funds from an incompetent council that can’t even provide a basic level of service.’ 

Amy worked with the local community and schools to capture important memories of the Queen and her links to the town and used these to create the artwork.

Test Valley Borough Council said: ‘The images capture poignant moments from Her Majesty’s life, as well as companions and places she held dear, from riding her beloved horse, Burmese, at Trooping the Colour, to the serene Windsor Castle, and even her cherished corgis and Fell pony, Emma.’

The work was originally commissioned for Andover by Test Valley Borough Council

The work was originally commissioned for Andover by Test Valley Borough Council

The statue was unveiled on Friday at an official ceremony held at Town Mills Riverside Park

The statue was unveiled on Friday at an official ceremony held at Town Mills Riverside Park

Read More

What a dog’s dinner! Council that must find £20m savings blows £35,000 on royal corgi statues

article image

Councillor Phil North, said: ‘This was an incredibly special occasion, and it was an honour that the Lord-Lieutenant, as the personal representative of His Majesty the King in Hampshire, officially unveiled the new sculpture.’

‘The occasion of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee was a unique moment in British history and as well as facilitating street parties and beacon lightings, we felt that it was incumbent on us to provide something long lasting to mark that moment, not just for us but for generations to come.

‘The artwork stands as a tribute to Her Majesty’s exceptional reign and legacy, as well as the Andover community that helped to shape the final piece.’

The cost of the statues has not been revealed, although an Andover Advertiser newspaper article from 2022 reported a previous tender process for the project saw the contract ‘worth £200,000’.

Test Valley Borough Council has been contacted regarding the cost of the statue contract.




صورة في الأعلى