Anto Brennan's statue of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in the gardens of Antrim Castle in Northern Ireland. Courtesy of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council
A new statue of Queen Elizabeth II has been unveiled in the gardens of Antrim Castle, near Belfast in Northern Ireland. Created by Anthony Brennan, the bronze monument was revealed on Friday, September 6, and depicts the late monarch in a moment of private leisure, dressed for a countryside walk with her beloved Corgis.
The local council commissioned the statue described it as “a lasting tribute to Her Majesty’s remarkable legacy” and expressed pride in having it as part of the community’s cultural landscape. While the council claimed that the reaction from visitors and locals has been largely positive, the statue has faced significant criticism online.
Many online commentators mocked the statue, questioning its likeness to the Queen. Some compared it to the film character Mrs. Doubtfire, played by Robin Williams. Local politician Vera McWilliam said: “We have to be honest, it does not resemble the Queen in any shape or form.”
Throughout her reign, Queen Elizabeth II has been frequently portrayed, but this latest homage has been labeled “offensive” by some, with one person calling it “an insult to Her Majesty’s memory.” Art historian Richard Morris told the London Times, “A gigantic garden gnome would have been better — a set of those would have been rather interesting.”
In response, the council released a statement acknowledging that art can spark diverse opinions but emphasized that the sculpture has been warmly received by most who have seen it in person. “The statue beautifully captures Her Majesty’s grace and steadfastness, standing as a fitting tribute to her extraordinary life and reign,” the statement read. “While social media may amplify certain negative viewpoints, the Council encourages everyone to visit Antrim Castle Gardens and experience the sculpture firsthand.”
Ridiculing royal portraits seems to be becoming a national pastime in the U.K. Recently, King Charles’ first official portrait and a painting of Kate Middleton for Tatler faced similar fates. There has been a long history of royal depictions failing to find public favor, proving that even a glittering crown cannot hide all flaws.
Sayart / Sims green sims010@naver.com
Anto Brennan's statue of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in the gardens of Antrim Castle in Northern Ireland. Courtesy of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council
A new statue of Queen Elizabeth II has been unveiled in the gardens of Antrim Castle, near Belfast in Northern Ireland. Created by Anthony Brennan, the bronze monument was revealed on Friday, September 6, and depicts the late monarch in a moment of private leisure, dressed for a countryside walk with her beloved Corgis.
The local council commissioned the statue described it as “a lasting tribute to Her Majesty’s remarkable legacy” and expressed pride in having it as part of the community’s cultural landscape. While the council claimed that the reaction from visitors and locals has been largely positive, the statue has faced significant criticism online.
Many online commentators mocked the statue, questioning its likeness to the Queen. Some compared it to the film character Mrs. Doubtfire, played by Robin Williams. Local politician Vera McWilliam said: “We have to be honest, it does not resemble the Queen in any shape or form.”
Throughout her reign, Queen Elizabeth II has been frequently portrayed, but this latest homage has been labeled “offensive” by some, with one person calling it “an insult to Her Majesty’s memory.” Art historian Richard Morris told the London Times, “A gigantic garden gnome would have been better — a set of those would have been rather interesting.”
In response, the council released a statement acknowledging that art can spark diverse opinions but emphasized that the sculpture has been warmly received by most who have seen it in person. “The statue beautifully captures Her Majesty’s grace and steadfastness, standing as a fitting tribute to her extraordinary life and reign,” the statement read. “While social media may amplify certain negative viewpoints, the Council encourages everyone to visit Antrim Castle Gardens and experience the sculpture firsthand.”
Ridiculing royal portraits seems to be becoming a national pastime in the U.K. Recently, King Charles’ first official portrait and a painting of Kate Middleton for Tatler faced similar fates. There has been a long history of royal depictions failing to find public favor, proving that even a glittering crown cannot hide all flaws.
