The sculptor commissioned to create the Queen Elizabeth II memorial statues has defended his design following criticism that the models bear little resemblance to the late Queen. The sculptor, Martin Jennings, recently unveiled scale models of both Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip to members of the Royal Family at the British Museum.
Mr Jennings responded to concerns about the similarities by explaining that critics had confused his preparatory maquettes with the finished work. He said: “All I was trying to do was to suggest an idea – the costume, the pose, the turn of the head – really simple things. You don’t really worry too much about likeness at this stage.”
He argued that when the statue is finished, it will look like the late Queen. He explained: “Everybody will recognise her as the late Queen and nobody else.”
Critics argued the late monarch should have been on horseback, showcasing her love for equestrian sports.
“Had we put her on a horse, she’d have needed to be in military uniform, and that would have reflected only one part of what she stood for,” he told The Mail.
Their Majesties appeared “affable” and “interested” in the initial designs, according to Mr Jennings.
The bronze sculpture, by Martin Jennings, will be inspired by the 1955 portrait of the Queen at age 28 by Italian artist Pietro Annigoni. Philip’s statue shows him at a similar age in an Admiral of the Fleet uniform.
The Queen’s figure will stand almost 10ft tall (3m) on a 14ft (4.3m) plinth, while the statue of the duke will be 7ft 6in (2.3m) tall on a 4ft 9in (1.5m) plinth.
The statues are scheduled for completion in 2028 and will occupy a prominent position on The Mall near Buckingham Palace.
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