Elizabeth II statue ‘does not resemble her in any shape or form’

A new statue commemorating the late Queen has been criticised for not resembling her “in any shape or form”.

The bronze sculpture of Elizabeth II and her two corgis in Northern Ireland’s Antrim Castle Gardens has been met with mixed reactions since it was unveiled on Saturday.

The statue even appears to have the buttons on the late monarch’s blouse on backwards.

It was created by the Belfast artist Anthony “Anto” Brennan, who made his name designing satirical chess sets lampooning prominent figures at the time of the Good Friday Agreement.

His most famous chessboard, which he sells for £450, outlandishly depicts Elizabeth II with oversized teeth.

The artist also built a 6ft 6in bronze statue of Jim Larkin, the Irish republican, trade unionist and co-founder of the Irish Labour Party, for the Irish Congress of Trades Unions in 2007.

Vera McWilliam, Antrim and Newtownabbey councillor, told the BBC: “We have to be honest, it does not resemble the [late] Queen in any shape or form.”

It comes after the Cabinet Office announced that a national memorial to the late Queen will be located in St James’s Park, a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace.

The central London site is close to both the Commonwealth headquarters and statues of the late Queen’s parents.

Richard, from Antrim, who first saw the statue online and then visited Antrim Castle Gardens to see it in person with his wife, said he was “really disappointed”.

He said: “Whoever signed that off needs their eyes tested. It’s not good. I would take it away. It doesn’t do anything in memory for Her Majesty so definitely I would remove it.”

The sculpture also came under fire in the comments section of a social media post by Antrim and Newtownabbey borough council showing the first photos of the sculpture. The comments have since been turned off.

However, other visitors were more welcoming of the statue. Francis, visiting with his wife Marie, said: “It’s great, I think they have it down to the tee.

“They’ve got the [late] Queen as she’s young. I think the two would be very pleased with it. And they’ve got the corgis all round.”

The proposal to commission a sculpture of Queen Elizabeth and dogs was made in January 2023. A bronze statue of Prince Philip had already been erected in the parterre garden.

During the unveiling of the new statue, Paul Dunlop, the deputy mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, said: “It’s down to personal taste, everyone has their own opinion, but it is what the sculpture represents that is important.”

It is not the first statue commemorating a member of the Royal family to be criticised. In 2021, a monument of Princess Diana at Kensington Palace attracted negative commentary for being lifeless and not resembling the late Princess.

Antrim and Newtownabbey borough council defended the new statue despite the backlash. In a statement, a spokesman said: “The council is delighted with the generally positive response to the new Queen Elizabeth II sculpture in Antrim Castle Gardens.

“It acknowledges that art can sometimes spark diverse opinions, but it’s important to emphasise 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 council is particularly pleased with how the sculpture complements its surroundings, standing adjacent to the statue of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and accompanied by two lovingly crafted corgis.”

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The council added: “This thoughtful arrangement has resonated strongly with visitors, who appreciate the personal touch it brings to the memorial, within the Gardens.

“While social media may amplify certain negative viewpoints, the council encourages everyone to visit Antrim Castle Gardens and experience the sculpture first hand.

“The sculpture stands as a lasting tribute to Her Majesty’s remarkable legacy, and the council is proud to have it as part of the community’s cultural landscape.

“The positive sentiments shared by the majority of residents and visitors reflect the sculpture’s success in honouring Queen Elizabeth II’s memory and her enduring impact on the nation.”