Visitors to the British Museum have a unique opportunity to see early designs for the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial, which will stand in St James’s Park.
The display provides a fascinating preview of the ambitious project, offering insight into how Britain plans to honour the late Queen’s extraordinary lifetime of public service. At the heart of the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial will be a striking bronze sculpture created by acclaimed artist Martin Jennings. The statue will portray Queen Elizabeth during the earlier years of her reign and will stand on a tall stone plinth, creating an impressive focal point within the park.
The sculptor has drawn inspiration from the well-known portrait painted by Pietro Annigoni, showing the Queen wearing the robes of the Order of the Garter. Alongside this work, Jennings is also creating a statue of Prince Philip, depicted at a similar age in his Admiral of the Fleet uniform. The placement of the two sculptures close together is intended to reflect the steadfast support Prince Philip gave throughout the Queen’s seventy-year reign.
The wider memorial landscape has been designed by Foster + Partners working in collaboration with Michel Desvigne Paysagiste. Plans include gardens celebrating both the Commonwealth and the nations of the United Kingdom, creating peaceful areas for visitors to sit, reflect and remember.
Among the additional features planned alongside the main Queen Elizabeth II Memorial are a cast-glass bridge inspired by Queen Mary’s Fringe Tiara, famously worn by Queen Elizabeth on her wedding day, as well as a later-life bust of the Queen by sculptor Karen Newman. Visitors to the British Museum can also learn about The Commonwealth Wind Sculpture, a contemporary abstract artwork by Yinka Shonibare.
The British Museum exhibition includes detailed scale models and smaller sculptural studies, allowing visitors to appreciate the vision behind the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial before its expected completion in 2028. The display was viewed earlier this year by the King, Queen and members of the Royal Family to mark what would have been Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th birthday.
For those planning a visit, the British Museum is just a stone’s throw from Luce e Limoni on Gray’s Inn Road, making it easy to combine an afternoon of culture and nostalgia with authentic Sicilian-inspired Italian dining in the heart of London!
You’ll find us at 91-93 Gray’s Inn Road, Chancery Lane, London WC1X 8TX
Call Us 020 724 23382 | Email Us flavours@luceelimoni.com
