The UK government has selected sculptor Martin Jennings to create a national statue of Queen Elizabeth II. The monument is planned for St James’s Park in London and will serve as the centerpiece of a larger memorial project designed by the architectural firm Foster + Partners.
Key Takeaways
- Sculptor Martin Jennings was chosen to create the official statue of Queen Elizabeth II.
- The statue will be located in St James’s Park as part of a wider memorial scheme.
- The project, designed by Foster + Partners, also includes a sculpture of the Queen and Prince Philip.
- A provisional construction budget of £23 million to £46 million has been allocated from public funds.
- Jennings previously created the official coin effigy of King Charles III for the Royal Mint.
A National Memorial in Central London
The UK government announced this weekend that Martin Jennings will be responsible for the highly anticipated statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II. The sculpture will be a key feature of a comprehensive memorial plan intended to honor the former monarch's long reign. This larger scheme is being overseen by the renowned architecture practice Foster + Partners, which was awarded the design commission earlier in the year.
The memorial site will extend beyond the single statue. Plans also include a figurative sculpture depicting the late Queen alongside her husband, Prince Philip, to be located at Birdcage Walk. Additionally, a new 'Prince Philip gate' will be incorporated into the design, creating a cohesive tribute to the royal couple within the historic park.
The Sculptor's Deliberate Process
Martin Jennings, who is based in the Cotswolds, acknowledged the immense significance of the commission. He described the project as a work in progress, emphasizing the need for a thoughtful and collaborative approach. The final appearance of the statue has not yet been determined.
Jennings stated he is “purposefully avoiding coming to any firm decision about how this work will look” at this early stage. He plans to engage in detailed discussions with several key groups before finalizing the design. These include the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, the architects at Foster + Partners, and members of the royal family.
“There is pressure to get this right across the globe. People will have expectations [for the piece]. It's not that I see my task as slavishly responding to what other people want because after all, this will only work if it's a good sculpture.”
This approach highlights his commitment to creating a piece that is both a fitting tribute and a work of artistic integrity. Further details about the final design are expected to be released to the public next year.
Project Funding and Scale
The memorial will be financed through public funds. According to government figures, the provisional construction budget for the entire project is estimated to be between £23 million and £46 million, excluding VAT. This significant investment reflects the national importance of the monument.
An Artist with Royal and Public Experience
This commission is not Martin Jennings' first time creating a royal portrait. His experience with such high-profile subjects is extensive and well-regarded. In 2000, his bronze bust of the Queen Mother was unveiled in St Paul’s Cathedral in London, where it remains on display.
More recently, in 2022, Jennings was entrusted by the Royal Mint with a task seen by millions daily. He was commissioned to produce the official effigy of King Charles III for all new UK coinage following his accession to the throne.
“The design of that coin face has been something that millions of people will see; even though it's the smallest thing I've made, it's the most replicated,” Jennings remarked, highlighting the unique challenges of creating a widely circulated image.
Notable Public Works
Beyond his royal commissions, Jennings is celebrated for several prominent public statues across London that have become landmarks in their own right. His portfolio demonstrates a talent for capturing the essence of historical figures.
- George Orwell (2017): Located outside the BBC’s Broadcasting House.
- Mary Seacole (2016): Sited at St Thomas’s Hospital, honoring the Crimean War nurse.
- John Betjeman (2007): A beloved statue of the poet laureate at St Pancras station.
From Inscriptions to Iconic Statues
Jennings' career path to becoming a leading public sculptor was gradual. He began by carving inscriptions for memorials and creating architectural lettering for churches, cathedrals, and colleges. Over time, his focus shifted toward figurative art. “I increasingly built up figurative portraiture initially, [I made] small bass reliefs and then larger figures, and then finally public commissions,” he explained.
A Monumental Responsibility
Jennings described the Queen Elizabeth II statue as a completely different challenge compared to his work on the King Charles III coin, calling it a “huge responsibility.” The scale and location of the new statue require careful consideration.
“It'll be a large piece of work in an extremely sensitive spot,” he said. “A lot of consideration needs to be given to the location, the meaning of the location and how we develop it to commemorate her suitably.” The placement in St James's Park, a central and historically significant royal park, adds to the project's prominence and the public's expectations for a lasting and respectful tribute.
