New Sculpture of Queen Elizabeth II to Grace Birdcage Walk
Karen Newman has been appointed to create a new sculpture of the late Queen Elizabeth II, which will be positioned on Birdcage Walk in St James’s Park as part of a national memorial. This initiative, confirmed by the Cabinet Office, aims to celebrate the legacy of the iconic monarch and will complement the existing statue by Martin Jennings on The Mall.
Memorial Design Highlights
The honour of sculpting Queen Elizabeth’s likeness has been bestowed upon Newman, a notable British sculptor with over fifty years of experience in the field. Her noteworthy portfolio includes tributes to World War II heroines as well as portraits of cultural icons such as poet W.H. Auden and actor Charles Dance. For two decades, she also contributed to the renowned Madame Tussauds, crafting lifelike figures of prominent figures, including former Prime Ministers and members of the royal family.
Newman’s smaller sculpture will serve to enhance the main statue of the late Queen, which will provide an impressive viewpoint overlooking The Mall. Alongside this, Martin Jennings has been commissioned to depict the Queen in a standing pose, with plans in place to create a statue of Prince Philip located nearby. The designs for the national memorial are scheduled to be revealed in April 2026, coinciding with what would have marked Queen Elizabeth II’s hundredth birthday.
Collaborative Efforts and Statements
Karen Newman expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to this monumental project, stating, “It is a huge honour to be asked to contribute my work to the Memorial for Queen Elizabeth II,” highlighting the late monarch’s significance as a unifying symbol in British history. Newman aims to represent both the icon and the personal aspects of the Queen’s life through her artistry.
In support, Martin Jennings commented on the collaboration, noting his longstanding admiration for Newman’s work. He emphasized that his design will reflect the Queen’s role as Head of State while adhering to a longstanding sculptural tradition by depicting royalty in an upright stance.
Norman Foster, the founder of Foster + Partners, also welcomed Newman to the project team, expressing his anticipation of the dignity and sensitivity she will bring to the statue, underscoring the collaborative effort to honour the late monarch’s legacy.
Significance of the Memorial
The initiative to create a national memorial for Queen Elizabeth II underscores the importance of her reign in British history, marked by decades of leadership and service. The memorial aims not only to commemorate her life but also to inspire future generations by reflecting on her contributions to the UK and the Commonwealth.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/renowned-sculptor-karen-newman-joins-the-national-queen-elizabeth-ii-memorial-project
