Royal sculptor hits back over row for Queen Elizabeth II tribute | Royal | News

Queen Elizabeth II The sculptor commissioned to create memorial statues of Elizabeth has defended his design after criticism that the models bore little resemblance to the late Queen. 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 preliminary mock-ups with the finished work. He said: “All I was trying to do was suggest an idea – the costume, the pose, the turn of the head – really simple things. You’re not too worried about similarity at this stage.”

He argued that the statue would resemble the late Queen when completed. He explained: “Everyone will recognize her as the late Queen and no one else.”

Critics argued that the late monarch should have been on horseback, showcasing his love of equestrian sports.

“If we had put him on a horse he would have had to wear a military uniform and that would have only reflected part of what he represented,” he told The Mail.

Her Majesty appeared “kind” and “caring” in early designs, according to Mr. Jennings.

Martin Jennings’ bronze sculpture will be inspired by Italian artist Pietro Annigoni’s portrait of the 28-year-old Queen painted in 1955. Philip’s statue shows him at a similar age in his Fleet Admiral uniform.

The Queen’s figure will stand almost 10 ft high (3 m) on a 14 ft (4.3 m) plinth, while the duke’s statue will stand 7 ft 6 in (2.3 m) tall on a 4 ft 9 in (1.5 m) plinth.

The statues are scheduled to be completed in 2028 and will occupy a prominent location on The Mall near Buckingham Palace.