National Memorial to Elizabeth II to Feature Bridge Inspired by Queen Mary Fringe Tiara

Strategic Insights -

The UK government has announced the winner of the design competition for the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II, with Lord Foster's Foster + Partners selected to transform St James's Park in tribute to the late monarch's life and legacy. The design includes a bridge reminiscent of the Queen Mary Fringe diamond tiara, a priceless headpiece worn on her wedding day in 1947, and a large gold wind sculpture. The memorial will also feature a statue of the Queen riding a horse and a sculpture of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh side by side.

Key Takeaways:

  • The design of the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II features a bridge inspired by the Queen Mary Fringe diamond tiara, which she wore on her wedding day in 1947.
  • The bridge is a key element of Lord Foster's design, which aims to capture the late Queen's qualities as a "unifying force" and bring together nations, countries, the Commonwealth, charities, and the Armed Forces.
  • The memorial will include a large gold wind sculpture, designed by Yinka Shonibare, which incorporates symbols representative of the late Queen's reign and is positioned in a space earmarked for reflection and shared experience.
  • The design also features a statue of the Queen riding a horse and a sculpture of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh side by side, positioned near Birdcage Walk.
  • Lord Foster, a leading architect and former critic of King Charles, said he and the King are "totally aligned" on the concerns of the environment and public duty.
  • The Cabinet Office hailed the winning design for celebrating the late Queen's life through a time of great change, balancing tradition and modernity, public duty and private faith, the United Kingdom and a global Commonwealth.
  • The design concept illustrates how the Queen brought dualities together, with two gates, two gardens, joined by a bridge and unifying path.
  • The unity bridge will replace the existing Blue Bridge and feature a cast-glass balustrade, illuminated at night.

Statistics:

  • The Queen Mary Fringe tiara features 47 bars of diamonds.
  • The design of the national memorial will be developed in partnership with the memorial committee and will select a sculptor to design its figurative element.
  • The memorial will be located in St James's Park, which was originally designed by Sir John Nash as a romantic landscape.
  • The entire masterplan will be a "family of gardens" joined by gently meandering paths.

Sources:

  • The Cabinet Office
  • Lord Foster, quoted in The Times of London
  • Foster + Partners, quoted in The Times of London
  • The Times of London
  • The Daily Telegraph
  • The Guardian