The robe designs and location in Andover of a new bronze statue of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II were confirmed this week by Test Valley Brough Council.
The life-size statue, which is one of a pair being created by local artist Amy Goodman, will depict the Queen in her later years, wearing her robe of state. The designs on the robe include ideas gathered at a number of creative workshops held at Andover Nursing Home, Roman Way Primary School, Anton and Portway Junior Schools, Mark Way School, Pilgrims Cross School, and the Second Sundays market.
Amy said: “I thoroughly enjoyed engaging with local people, encouraging them to paint images they related with the Queen and her 70 years of service onto mini canvases. These were then used as inspiration for the designs on the statue’s robe of state, reflecting the relationship Her Majesty had with Test Valley and the 70 years of her reign. When displayed together they will create a vibrant exhibition.”
Inspired by the workshops, the design features intricate relief artwork adorning the flowing robe, capturing poignant moments such as the Queen riding Burmese at Trooping the Colour, Windsor Castle, and her dearly loved Fell pony, Emma. Two of Her Majesty’s Corgis are inscribed, and flags representing the Commonwealth of Nations and the Union Jack, intertwine with the natural world, featuring an array of symbolic flowers and foliage synonymous with the Queen.
From local landmarks and events such as the Land Forces HQ Andover building and Her Majesty’s visit to Andover in 1993, to global milestones in science and endeavour, the artwork weaves together local, national, and international narratives. The inclusion of poppies serves as a reminder of remembrance, complemented by the presence of her two Gurkha Orderly Officers standing guard, adding a solemn touch to the composition.
Finally, a series of relevant quotes will be inscribed next to the imagery, including the Queen’s own words to her subjects in her 21st Birthday message of 1947, four years before she become queen: “I declare before you that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service”.
The location of the Andover statue has also been confirmed as Town Mills Riverside Park.
A number of sites were considered. Factors considered included: the appropriateness and prominence of the location, aesthetics and views from the site, the historic context and constraints, and the wider regeneration taking place in the town. Site visits assessed the suitability of each location in terms of their setting and the final location was selected after taking all this into account.
Cllr Terese Swain, Portfolio holder for Community and Leisure, said: “We were delighted with Amy’s designs and the way they have incorporated the ideas and memories of local people. Town Mills Riverside Park is a central, relaxed and well-used space where the public can enjoy the statue, as well as a site that fits with the wider regeneration plans for Andover.”
More workshops to help inform the other statue, which will be sited in Romsey and depict a younger queen, are planned for the first half of 2024.
Listen To The Latest News & View On Andover Radio
