Artist Amy Goodman working on statue of Queen Elizabeth II
Watch live sculpting of new statue of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
The latest opportunity to see progress on the statues of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, commissioned by Test Valley Borough Council, is coming up later this month.
The latest opportunity to see progress on the statues of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, commissioned by Test Valley Borough Council, is coming up later this month.
Local sculptor and portrait artist Amy Goodman has been commissioned by the council to create two life-size sculptures of Queen Elizabeth II which will be sited in Andover and Romsey. Originally commissioned as part of the Platinum Jubilee commemorations, the artworks have taken on a new poignancy following Her Majesty the Queen’s passing in 2022.
The statues will eventually be cast in bronze, but first Amy must perfect her sculptures in clay. And you’ll be able to watch her sculpting the first clay version of the Queen on November 18 and 19 at an Open Studios event at Project Workshops in Andover SP11 8PX. The event will feature many artists at work, including Amy sculpting live in her studio at midday on each date. You can also see the foundry where the bronze statues will eventually be cast.
Amy said:
“There’s a great community of artists here and a chance to see glass blowing and other demonstrations as well as visit the open studios and workshops. It’s a fascinating place for all the family to visit in the lead up to Christmas and I’m delighted to be able to share the work I am doing on the statues of the late Queen with visitors and talk to people about the project."
There will also be the chance at the event, which runs from 10am to 4pm, to view around 80 mini canvases painted by local schoolchildren and members of the public at workshops across Andover. The images will help inspire how Amy inscribes the story of the Queen’s seventy-year reign onto the statue’s robe of state, reflecting the relationship Her Majesty had with Test Valley. There will be more workshops running in Romsey in the new year to inform the designs on the other statue.
Find out more about the statues on the Council website at: https://www.testvalley.gov.uk/communityandleisure/artsandculture/publicart/queens-statues
Share your stories
Amy is also keen to hear from anyone across Test Valley who has a personal story about the Queen which they would like to share.
Amy said:
“During my recent visit to Andover Nursing home one of the residents there shared some details about going to see the Queen lying in state with her daughter. It got me thinking that it would be fantastic to hear about any other stories people have about the Queen, particularly anyone who has met her. It might be a key memory, a visit to London, or an encounter with the Queen here in Test Valley, either recently or in the past.”
Cllr Terese Swain, Cabinet Member for Community Leisure and Tourism, said:
“This is a rare opportunity for anyone who would like to watch Amy working on one of the statues, to talk to the artist about her work and to share any stories you have of the late Queen Elizabeth II. It’s also a great chance to view some of the wonderful artwork that has been created by the community.”
Residents can go along and share stories and memories at the Open Studio event, or email Amy at amysculptor@hotmail.com – please include your name and where you live.