Mixed Reactions Emerge Over New Commemorative Sculpture.Â
Following its recent display, a new monument intended to pay tribute to Elizabeth II, the longest-serving king of the United Kingdom, has generated various responses. Made by Anto Brennan, a north Belfast artist, the bronze sculpture was unveiled on Saturday at Antrim Castle Gardens. Since then, the late queen, Prince Philip, and two corgis have attracted compliments and criticism from the public in the artwork.
What Are the Public's Opinions on the Statue?
Visitors and social media users have hotly debated the monument. Concerned, Antrim and Newtownabbey council Vera McWilliam said, “We have to be honest; it does not resemble the queen in any shape or form.” Local Antrim resident Richard also expressed his dismay after seeing the monument online and in person. “Whoever signed that off should get their eyes checked. Not great. I would get it taken away. It accomplishes nothing in remembrance for Her Majesty; hence very definitely I would remove it.”
How Do People Feel About the Sculpture's Representation?
Brenda of Lisburn presented a more complex picture. She agreed with the monument’s general attractiveness, even if she thought the queen should have been shown as elderly. “You still get what it represents and what it is about; overall, it is quite nice,” she remarked. “It grabbed my attention immediately. Though I believe it should have been her right before she passed away to convey her character and everything she stood for.”
Alejandro from London, who was seeing Antrim Castle Gardens with friends from El Salvador, likewise considered the similarity missing. “The monument did not appear like the queen. I suppose that’s a good thing as it is in her memory, but it doesn’t seem like her. Though Prince Philip and the dogs look good, the queen does not look like this,” he said.
What Are the Observations on the Artistic Details?
Saintfield’s Cheryl and Gordon offered their notes and ideas for development. “There is something not right about her upper body posture and right arm, but it’s still lovely to see her,” Cheryl said, pointing out problems with the monument’s posture. Gordon said, “I wouldn’t have realized that it didn’t look like the queen, but seeing it on Facebook and now that I see it, yeah, it isn’t a genuine depiction of her. Though the rest of her persona is correct, the face may not accurately reflect her. We all know who she is and what she is supposed to be. Hence, let it be as it is.
What Is the Positive Feedback from Some Visitors?
By contrast, the sculpture delighted Francis and Marie from Magherafelt. Francis commented on the artist’s work, “It’s fantastic; I think they have it down to the tee. They have the queen in her youthful years. The two would most likely be happy with it. And they feature the corgis all around. That is the queen; she loves being outside, hence her face shows a grin.”
Marie said, “Her appearance is somewhat different when you see her out among the dogs and horses. More of her intimate life, more grounded in reality.” Although the monument might only be famous to some, this viewpoint emphasizes how faithfully the queen’s relationship with nature and her dear animals has been portrayed.
How Has Public Discourse Affected the Sculpture's Reception?
The social media buzz surrounding the sculpture attracted Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council to ban comments on their postings, including the monument. Proposed in January 2023, the commission for the sculpture—which also features a bronze monument of Prince Philip currently housed in the Parterre Garden—is based on
Paul Dunlop, Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, chimed in on the argument, saying, “It’s down to personal taste; everyone has their own opinion, but it is what the sculpture represents that is important.” This statement captures the council’s view that personal aesthetic tastes are subordinated to the symbolic worth of the art.
Emphasizing its intended homage, Mayor Neil Kelly said the monument was a “beautiful statue” at its unveiling. The work’s creator, Anto Brennan, is well-known for his chess sets, which include notable Northern Irish political leaders. Approached for more comments, the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council highlights the continuous debate about the monument’s location in the community.
