Local Reactions to the Recent Unveiling Are Divided
A vibrant discussion started with the recent presentation of a new monument honoring Queen Elizabeth II in Antrim Castle Gardens. The bronze sculpture by north Belfast artist Anto Brennan shows the late queen beside Prince Philip and their two cherished corgis. Although some consider the monument a suitable homage, others wonder whether it reflects the queen’s core.
Is the Statue a True Reflection of the Queen?
One main debate about the monument is its list of the queen. Disappointingly, 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, disappointed to see the monument online and in person, reflected this attitude. ” Whoever signed that off should get their eyes checked. It needs improvement. I would get it taken away. It accomplishes nothing in remembrance of Her Majesty; hence, I would delete it.
What Do People Think About Artistic Choices?
Different views have also been generated by how the monument portrays the queen artistically. Brenda from Lisburn considers the memorial beautiful even if she thinks the queen should have been represented at an older age. “On the whole, it is quite nice; you still get what it represents and is about,” she said. It drew me in right immediately. Although you can see who they are, I believe it should have been her shortly before she passed away to convey the significance of who she was and what she stood for.
Alejandro from London also voiced his worries while visiting Antrim Castle Gardens with friends from El Salvador. “The queen did not appear to match the monument. Though it doesn’t seem like her, I suppose it’s a good thing since it is in her memories. Prince Philip and the dogs look good, but the queen does not look like her,” he said.
Are There Positive Aspects of the Sculpture?
Some guests have given good comments despite the complaints. The sculptures appealed to Francis and Marie from Magherafelt. “It’s great; I think they have it down to the tee,” Francis said, complimenting the artist’s work. They have the queen in her youth. The two would most likely be happy with it. And they feature the corgis all around. That is the queen; she loves being outside, and her face shows a grin.
Marie said, “Her appearance is somewhat different when you see her among the dogs and horses. It’s more of her private life, more down to earth. From this point of view, the monument captures a beloved feature of the queen’s life even though it might not be quite likable.
How Has Public Discourse Influenced the Reception?
The monument is becoming a hot issue for public debate, which has resulted in Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council turning off comments on its social media posts with artwork. In January 2023, the commission for this sculpture and an existing bronze statue of Prince Philip in the Parterre Garden was proposed.
Reflecting on the matter, Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Paul Dunlop said, “It’s down to personal taste; everyone has their own opinion, but it is what the sculpture represents that is important.” This remark emphasizes the opinion that the symbolic significance of the sculpture determines its value more than its technical correctness.
Emphasizing the intended honor to the queen, Mayor Neil Kelly, who called the monument a “beautiful statue,” said during the unveiling. Anto Brennan, the artist famed for his Northern Irish political figure chess sets, has received a mixed response to his most recent creations. The current discussion emphasizes the difficulty of public art and the difficulties of depicting historical characters in a way that appeals to many different viewers.
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