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Daily Mirror
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Touching designs for major memorial to Queen Elizabeth unveiled for first time
Five early concept designs for a new landmark memorial to the late Queen, who died in September 2022, in St James Park in the heart of London have gone on display The final shortlisted designs for the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II have been unveiled, including a bronze cast of a Windsor oak tree, a giant canopy of stone lily pads and a statue of the late Queen next to Prince Philip. The five early design concepts have been displayed as part of an online public exhibition which opened today. Other ideas include audio installations featuring the late Queen's voice, a "tranquil family" of romantic royal gardens inspired by the Georgian architect John Nash, "forest bathing in the heart of the city", and a "graceful and strong" stone bridge with cascading water. The public is being encouraged to view the proposed designs for the competition run by Malcolm Reading Consultants and offer feedback by May 19. The Mirror exclusively revealed last year that the national memorial will stand in St James's Park in the heart of London, which Prime Minister Keir Starmer later said will provide "everyone with a place to honour the late Queen and connect with the shared history we cherish". The late Queen died peacefully at Balmoral Castle on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96. Elizabeth II, whose reign spanned 70 years, dedicated her life to her royal duty. After a year of consideration by a specially appointed committee headed by Lord Janvrin, the late Queen's former private secretary in the wake of her passing, St James's Park has been chosen and approved by the King. The location of the memorial was chosen because of its closeness to the ceremonial route of The Mall, and Buckingham Palace, and its historical and constitutional significance, but also because of a poignant personal connection to the late Queen - the nearby statues of her beloved parents. The bronze tributes to King George VI, who died at the age of 56 in 1952, and the Queen Mother, who died aged 101 in the Golden Jubilee year of 2002, stand just a short distance along The Mall. The announcement of the final design will coincide with what would have been the Queen's 100th birthday year in 2026. Lord Janvrin, chairman of the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, said: "Queen Elizabeth II's extraordinary life of service profoundly touched countless individuals, and she was a figure of great respect and admiration. Memories of her long reign are still fresh for so many of us and we need to capture the essence of them for future generations." He added: "In recognition of this, it is only fitting that we invite the public to express their views on these design concepts. "We are delighted to be working with some of the best architects, artists and designers in the world to produce a landmark memorial of outstanding beauty that celebrates and honours the life of Queen Elizabeth II." Hailed as one of the most significant design initiatives in modern British history, the memorial in St James's Park, close to Buckingham Palace in the heart of London, will provide the public with a permanent memorial to the country's longest-reigning monarch, who died in 2022. A panel of committee members will select the winning concept and work with the team on the final design, which is expected to be unveiled in 2026, which would have been the late Queen's 100th birthday year. The committee will also select an artist, through a separate process, to create a figurative representation of Elizabeth II for the site on The Mall in central London. The five design concepts are: 1. A "tranquil family" of royal gardens inspired by John Nash's original landscape of the park, linked by a natural stone tessellated path by Lord Foster of Foster + Partners with artist Yinka Shonibare, ecologist Professor Nigel Dunnett and landscape architect Michel Desvigne Paysagiste. Other elements include a statue of the Queen alongside Philip on Birdcage Walk next to a Prince Philip Gate and, on the other side of the park, an equestrian statue of the Queen in a new civic space called Queen Elizabeth II Place at Marlborough Gate. The plans also incorporate a contemporary wind sculpture for reflection, audio installations of the Queen's voice, a digital conservatory and a translucent Unity Bridge. 2. Bridge of Togetherness - A memorial walk inspired by the idea of "togetherness" with 70 lily pad stepping stones by Heatherwick Studio with sculptor and ceramicist Halima Cassell, MRG Studio, Webb Yates and Arup. At the centre of the bridge is a limestone sculpture of the late Queen, whose childhood nickname was Lilibet, protected by a giant canopy of eight carved sculptural lily pads, with the stone chosen because it will "age with dignity". 3. An innovative stone bridge over soil, tree roots and water, featuring a gentle cascade of water onto the lake, to represent the late Queen as the bedrock of the nation, has been designed by J&L Gibbons with production designer Michael Levine, and William Matthews Associates. It aims to capture a "meandering flow of geology carrying people through an ephemeral choreography of blossoming and colour beneath the high tree canopy" and includes glades to invite "forest bathing in the heart of the city". 4. The Queen's Oak - An exact bronze cast of an "awe-inspiring" ancient oak from Windsor Great Park, representing the late Queen's strength and endurance and symbolising the monarchy, is the central focus of a design by Tom Stuart-Smith with Jamie Fobert Architects and artist Adam Lowe of Factum Are. The digitally scanned replica tree would stand on a plinth in the lake, with a curved stone bridge as a viewing platform. There would also be a serpentine memorial path, for all ages and abilities, which incorporates inlaid bronze casts of significant objects from the late Queen's life and a "sonic soundscape" of memories from those she impacted. 5. A thread of pathways and landscapes "gently woven through the natural fabric" of the park with a pair of "elegant bridges" have been suggested by Wilkinson Eyre with artists Lisa Vandy and Fiona Clarke. Aiming to impose the "lightest footprint" on the park, the thread, with symbolic spaces for reflection, focuses on seven themes of the late Queen's life - reign, faith, Commonwealth, values, nature, family, and Prince Philip. The final design will be submitted to the King and Prime Minister Keir Starmer for approval. The proposed designs are available to view at Get Royal Family updates straight to your WhatsApp! As the royals get back to their normal duties after a difficult year, the Mirror has launched its very own Royal WhatsApp community where you'll get all the latest news on the UK's most famous family. We'll send you the latest breaking updates and exclusives all directly to your phone. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. 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Yahoo
07-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Five shortlisted designs for Queen Elizabeth memorial revealed
The Foster + Partners proposal with a distinctive sculpture for Queen Elizabeth II memorial (Foster+Partners and Malcolm Reading Consultants/PA) Five shortlisted designs for a national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II, ranging from a bronze Windsor oak to tranquil royal gardens, have been unveiled. The proposals, unveiled as part of an online public exhibition, offer diverse ways to commemorate the late Queen's life and reign. One concept envisions a bronze cast of a Windsor oak tree, symbolising strength and longevity. Another proposes a vast canopy of stone lily pads, creating a unique architectural space for reflection. A more traditional approach features a statue of Queen Elizabeth II alongside her late husband, Prince Philip. Further ideas incorporate modern elements, such as audio installations featuring recordings of the Queen's voice. ADVERTISEMENT Another design draws inspiration from Georgian architect John Nash, proposing romantic royal gardens offering a "forest bathing" experience in an urban setting. A "graceful and strong" stone bridge with cascading water is suggested as a symbolic link between eras. The five design concepts for the Queen's memorial The designs are currently illustrative, with a sculptor to be appointed later. The public can view the proposals and offer feedback until May 19 via the online exhibition managed by Malcolm Reading Consultants. This feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the final memorial. The Queen's former private secretary Lord Janvrin, chairman of the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, said: 'Queen Elizabeth II's extraordinary life of service profoundly touched countless individuals, and she was a figure of great respect and admiration. ADVERTISEMENT 'Memories of her long reign are still fresh for so many of us and we need to capture the essence of them for future generations.' Lord Janvrin added: 'In recognition of this, it is only fitting that we invite the public to express their views on these design concepts. 'We are delighted to be working with some of the best architects, artists and designers in the world to produce a landmark memorial of outstanding beauty that celebrates and honours the life of Queen Elizabeth II.' Hailed as one of the most significant design initiatives in modern British history, the memorial in St James's Park, close to Buckingham Palace in the heart of London, will provide the public with a permanent memorial to the country's longest-reigning monarch, who died in 2022. The late Queen with the royal family during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022 A panel of committee members will select the winning concept and work with the team on the final design, which is expected to be unveiled in 2026, which would have been the late Queen's 100th birthday year. ADVERTISEMENT The committee will also select an artist, through a separate process, to create a figurative representation of Elizabeth II for the site on The Mall in central London. What are the five shortlisted Queen memorials? The five design concepts are: 1. A 'tranquil family' of royal gardens inspired by John Nash's original landscape of the park, linked by a natural stone tessellated path by Lord Foster of Foster + Partners with artist Yinka Shonibare, ecologist Professor Nigel Dunnett and landscape architect Michel Desvigne Paysagiste. The Foster + Partners proposal with a distinctive sculpture (Foster+Partners and Malcolm Reading Consultants/PA) Other elements include a statue of the Queen alongside Philip on Birdcage Walk next to a Prince Philip Gate and, on the other side of the park, an equestrian statue of the Queen in a new civic space called Queen Elizabeth II Place at Marlborough Gate. The plans also incorporate a contemporary wind sculpture for reflection, audio installations of the Queen's voice, a digital conservatory and a translucent Unity Bridge. ADVERTISEMENT 2. Bridge of Togetherness – A memorial walk inspired by the idea of 'togetherness' with 70 lily pad stepping stones by Heatherwick Studio with sculptor and ceramicist Halima Cassell, MRG Studio, Webb Yates and Arup. The Heatherwick Studio idea with a canopy of lily pads (Heatherwick Studio and Malcolm Reading/PA) At the centre of the bridge is a limestone sculpture of the late Queen, whose childhood nickname was Lilibet, protected by a giant canopy of eight carved sculptural lily pads, with the stone chosen because it will 'age with dignity'. 3. An innovative stone bridge over soil, tree roots and water, featuring a gentle cascade of water onto the lake, to represent the late Queen as the bedrock of the nation has been designed by J&L Gibbons with production designer Michael Levine, and William Matthews Associates. The J&L Gibbons bridge from which falls gentle streams of cascading water (J&L Gibbons and Malcolm Reading Consultants/PA) It aims to capture a 'meandering flow of geology carrying people through an ephemeral choreography of blossoming and colour beneath the high tree canopy' and includes glades to invite 'forest bathing in the heart of the city'. 4. The Queen's Oak – An exact bronze cast of an 'awe-inspiring' ancient oak from Windsor Great Park, representing the late Queen's strength and endurance and symbolising the monarchy, is the central focus of a design by Tom Stuart-Smith with Jamie Fobert Architects and artist Adam Lowe of Factum Are. The illuminated oak tree at night as part of the Tom Stuart-Smith and Jamie Fobert Architects proposal (Tom Stuart-Smith, Jamie Fobert Architects and MalcolmReading Consultants/PA) The digitally scanned replica tree would stand on a plinth in the lake, with a curved stone bridge as a viewing platform. There would also be a serpentine memorial path, for all ages and abilities, which incorporates inlaid bronze casts of significant objects from the late Queen's life and a 'sonic soundscape' of memories from those she impacted. 5. A thread of pathways and landscapes 'gently woven through the natural fabric' of the park with a pair of 'elegant bridges' have been suggested by WilkinsonEyre with artists Lisa Vandy and Fiona Clarke. The pathways designed by Wilkinson Eyre (WilkinsonEyre and Malcolm Reading Consultants/PA) Aiming to impose the 'lightest footprint' on the park, the thread, with symbolic spaces for reflection, focuses on seven themes of the late Queen's life – reign, faith, Commonwealth, values, nature, family, and Prince Philip. The final design will be submitted to the King and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for approval. The proposed designs are available to view at
The Guardian
07-05-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Statues, bridges, soundscapes: Queen Elizabeth II memorial designs unveiled
How best to capture the enduring essence of Queen Elizabeth II is the question behind innovative designs shortlisted for a national memorial planned for Britain's longest-serving monarch. An exact cast of a Windsor oak tree, a giant canopy of stone lilies and a 'graceful and strong' stone bridge symbolising her as bedrock of the nation are among shortlisted designs on which the public is now being consulted. Other ideas include a statue of the late queen next to Prince Philip, an audio installation featuring her voice, and a 'tranquil family' of romantic royal gardens inspired by the Georgian architect John Nash. The memorial is planned for St James's Park, close to Buckingham Palace in the heart of London. The public is now being asked for feedback on the shortlist in an online consultation by Malcolm Reading Consultants running until 19 May, with images of the memorials issued for illustrative purposes at this stage and a sculptor to be appointed later. Three of the designs feature the late queen riding a horse, reflecting her enthusiasm for equestrianism. The five shortlisted are: A 'tranquil family' of royal gardens linked by a natural stone path, by Norman Foster of Foster + Partners with the artist Yinka Shonibare, the ecologist Prof Nigel Dunnett and the landscape architect Michel Desvigne Paysagiste. It includes a statue of the queen alongside Philip, a wind sculpture for reflection, audio installations of the queen's voice, a digital conservatory and a unity bridge. A computer-generated image of a statue of the late queen on horseback, part of the Norman Foster-led team's design. Photograph: Foster + Partners and Malcolm Reading Consultants/PA A memorial walk inspired by the idea of 'togetherness' with 70 lily pad stepping stones, by Heatherwick Studio with the sculptor and ceramicist Halima Cassell, MRG Studio, Webb Yates and Arup. At the centre of the bridge is a limestone sculpture of the late queen, protected by a giant canopy of eight sculptural lilies. A ground-level view of the lilies structure at the centre of the Heatherwick Studio proposal. Photograph: Heatherwick Studio and Malcolm Reading Consultants/PA A stone bridge over soil, tree roots and water to represent Elizabeth as the 'bedrock of the nation', by J&L Gibbons with the production designer Michael Levine and William Matthews Associates. The plan includes glades to invite 'forest bathing in the heart of the city'. Three of the designs feature the late queen riding a horse, including this statue by the J&L Gibbons team. Photograph: J&L Gibbons and Malcolm Reading Consultants/PA An exact cast of an oak from Windsor Great Park, representing strength and endurance and symbolising the monarchy, by Tom Stuart-Smith with Jamie Fobert Architects and the artist Adam Lowe of Factum Are. A memorial path would incorporate bronze casts of significant objects from the late queen's life and a 'sonic soundscape' of memories. Tom Stuart-Smith's team propose a cast of an oak from Windsor Great Park. Photograph: Tom Stuart-Smith/PA A thread of pathways and landscapes of the park with a pair of 'elegant bridges' have been submitted by WilkinsonEyre with artists Lisa Vandy and Fiona Clarke. A pair of elegant bridges are part of the plan submitted by WilkinsonEyre. Photograph: WilkinsonEyre and Malcolm Reading Consultants/PA The queen's former private secretary Lord Janvrin, the chair of the Queen Elizabeth memorial committee, said the designs needed to 'capture the essence' of memories of the late monarch for future generations. He said it was 'only fitting' for members of the public to express their views. A panel of committee members will select the winning concept and work with the team on the final design, which is expected to be unveiled in 2026. The final design will then be submitted to King Charles and the prime minister for approval.
The Independent
07-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
Five shortlisted designs for Queen Elizabeth memorial revealed
Five shortlisted designs for a national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II, ranging from a bronze Windsor oak to tranquil royal gardens, have been unveiled. The proposals, unveiled as part of an online public exhibition, offer diverse ways to commemorate the late Queen's life and reign. One concept envisions a bronze cast of a Windsor oak tree, symbolising strength and longevity. Another proposes a vast canopy of stone lily pads, creating a unique architectural space for reflection. A more traditional approach features a statue of Queen Elizabeth II alongside her late husband, Prince Philip. Further ideas incorporate modern elements, such as audio installations featuring recordings of the Queen's voice. Another design draws inspiration from Georgian architect John Nash, proposing romantic royal gardens offering a "forest bathing" experience in an urban setting. A "graceful and strong" stone bridge with cascading water is suggested as a symbolic link between eras. The designs are currently illustrative, with a sculptor to be appointed later. The public can view the proposals and offer feedback until May 19 via the online exhibition managed by Malcolm Reading Consultants. This feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the final memorial. The Queen's former private secretary Lord Janvrin, chairman of the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, said: 'Queen Elizabeth II's extraordinary life of service profoundly touched countless individuals, and she was a figure of great respect and admiration. ' Memories of her long reign are still fresh for so many of us and we need to capture the essence of them for future generations.' Lord Janvrin added: 'In recognition of this, it is only fitting that we invite the public to express their views on these design concepts. 'We are delighted to be working with some of the best architects, artists and designers in the world to produce a landmark memorial of outstanding beauty that celebrates and honours the life of Queen Elizabeth II.' Hailed as one of the most significant design initiatives in modern British history, the memorial in St James's Park, close to Buckingham Palace in the heart of London, will provide the public with a permanent memorial to the country's longest-reigning monarch, who died in 2022. A panel of committee members will select the winning concept and work with the team on the final design, which is expected to be unveiled in 2026, which would have been the late Queen's 100th birthday year. The committee will also select an artist, through a separate process, to create a figurative representation of Elizabeth II for the site on The Mall in central London. What are the five shortlisted Queen memorials? The five design concepts are: 1. A 'tranquil family' of royal gardens inspired by John Nash's original landscape of the park, linked by a natural stone tessellated path by Lord Foster of Foster + Partners with artist Yinka Shonibare, ecologist Professor Nigel Dunnett and landscape architect Michel Desvigne Paysagiste. Other elements include a statue of the Queen alongside Philip on Birdcage Walk next to a Prince Philip Gate and, on the other side of the park, an equestrian statue of the Queen in a new civic space called Queen Elizabeth II Place at Marlborough Gate. The plans also incorporate a contemporary wind sculpture for reflection, audio installations of the Queen's voice, a digital conservatory and a translucent Unity Bridge. 2. Bridge of Togetherness – A memorial walk inspired by the idea of 'togetherness' with 70 lily pad stepping stones by Heatherwick Studio with sculptor and ceramicist Halima Cassell, MRG Studio, Webb Yates and Arup. At the centre of the bridge is a limestone sculpture of the late Queen, whose childhood nickname was Lilibet, protected by a giant canopy of eight carved sculptural lily pads, with the stone chosen because it will 'age with dignity'. 3. An innovative stone bridge over soil, tree roots and water, featuring a gentle cascade of water onto the lake, to represent the late Queen as the bedrock of the nation has been designed by J&L Gibbons with production designer Michael Levine, and William Matthews Associates. It aims to capture a 'meandering flow of geology carrying people through an ephemeral choreography of blossoming and colour beneath the high tree canopy' and includes glades to invite 'forest bathing in the heart of the city'. 4. The Queen's Oak – An exact bronze cast of an 'awe-inspiring' ancient oak from Windsor Great Park, representing the late Queen's strength and endurance and symbolising the monarchy, is the central focus of a design by Tom Stuart-Smith with Jamie Fobert Architects and artist Adam Lowe of Factum Are. The digitally scanned replica tree would stand on a plinth in the lake, with a curved stone bridge as a viewing platform. There would also be a serpentine memorial path, for all ages and abilities, which incorporates inlaid bronze casts of significant objects from the late Queen's life and a 'sonic soundscape' of memories from those she impacted. 5. A thread of pathways and landscapes 'gently woven through the natural fabric' of the park with a pair of 'elegant bridges' have been suggested by WilkinsonEyre with artists Lisa Vandy and Fiona Clarke. Aiming to impose the 'lightest footprint' on the park, the thread, with symbolic spaces for reflection, focuses on seven themes of the late Queen's life – reign, faith, Commonwealth, values, nature, family, and Prince Philip. The final design will be submitted to the King and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for approval.
The Independent
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Shortlisted ideas for memorial to late Queen revealed as public asked for views
The shortlisted ideas for the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II have been unveiled, including a bronze cast of a Windsor oak tree, a giant canopy of stone lily pads and a statue of the late Queen next to Prince Philip. The public is being asked for its feedback on the five early design concepts as part of an online public exhibition which opened on Wednesday. Other ideas include audio installations featuring the late Queen's voice, a 'tranquil family' of romantic royal gardens inspired by the Georgian architect John Nash, 'forest bathing in the heart of the city', and a 'graceful and strong' stone bridge with cascading water. The public is being encouraged to view the proposed designs for the competition run by Malcolm Reading Consultants and offer feedback by May 19. All statues are for illustrative purposes at this stage and a sculptor will be appointed later in the process The Queen's former private secretary Lord Janvrin, chairman of the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, said: 'Queen Elizabeth II's extraordinary life of service profoundly touched countless individuals, and she was a figure of great respect and admiration. ' Memories of her long reign are still fresh for so many of us and we need to capture the essence of them for future generations.' Lord Janvrin added: 'In recognition of this, it is only fitting that we invite the public to express their views on these design concepts. 'We are delighted to be working with some of the best architects, artists and designers in the world to produce a landmark memorial of outstanding beauty that celebrates and honours the life of Queen Elizabeth II.' Hailed as one of the most significant design initiatives in modern British history, the memorial in St James's Park, close to Buckingham Palace in the heart of London, will provide the public with a permanent memorial to the country's longest-reigning monarch, who died in 2022. A panel of committee members will select the winning concept and work with the team on the final design, which is expected to be unveiled in 2026, which would have been the late Queen's 100th birthday year. The committee will also select an artist, through a separate process, to create a figurative representation of Elizabeth II for the site on The Mall in central London. The five design concepts are: 1. A 'tranquil family' of royal gardens inspired by John Nash's original landscape of the park, linked by a natural stone tessellated path by Lord Foster of Foster + Partners with artist Yinka Shonibare, ecologist Professor Nigel Dunnett and landscape architect Michel Desvigne Paysagiste. Other elements include a statue of the Queen alongside Philip on Birdcage Walk next to a Prince Philip Gate and, on the other side of the park, an equestrian statue of the Queen in a new civic space called Queen Elizabeth II Place at Marlborough Gate. The plans also incorporate a contemporary wind sculpture for reflection, audio installations of the Queen's voice, a digital conservatory and a translucent Unity Bridge. 2. Bridge of Togetherness – A memorial walk inspired by the idea of 'togetherness' with 70 lily pad stepping stones by Heatherwick Studio with sculptor and ceramicist Halima Cassell, MRG Studio, Webb Yates and Arup. At the centre of the bridge is a limestone sculpture of the late Queen, whose childhood nickname was Lilibet, protected by a giant canopy of eight carved sculptural lily pads, with the stone chosen because it will 'age with dignity'. 3. An innovative stone bridge over soil, tree roots and water, featuring a gentle cascade of water onto the lake, to represent the late Queen as the bedrock of the nation has been designed by J&L Gibbons with production designer Michael Levine, and William Matthews Associates. It aims to capture a 'meandering flow of geology carrying people through an ephemeral choreography of blossoming and colour beneath the high tree canopy' and includes glades to invite 'forest bathing in the heart of the city'. 4. The Queen's Oak – An exact bronze cast of an 'awe-inspiring' ancient oak from Windsor Great Park, representing the late Queen's strength and endurance and symbolising the monarchy, is the central focus of a design by Tom Stuart-Smith with Jamie Fobert Architects and artist Adam Lowe of Factum Are. The digitally scanned replica tree would stand on a plinth in the lake, with a curved stone bridge as a viewing platform. There would also be a serpentine memorial path, for all ages and abilities, which incorporates inlaid bronze casts of significant objects from the late Queen's life and a 'sonic soundscape' of memories from those she impacted. 5. A thread of pathways and landscapes 'gently woven through the natural fabric' of the park with a pair of 'elegant bridges' have been suggested by WilkinsonEyre with artists Lisa Vandy and Fiona Clarke. Aiming to impose the 'lightest footprint' on the park, the thread, with symbolic spaces for reflection, focuses on seven themes of the late Queen's life – reign, faith, Commonwealth, values, nature, family, and Prince Philip. Keir Starmer for approval.
