New '£200k' late Queen statue

A new life-size bronze sculpture of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in a small Hampshire town has caused a difference of opinion online.

The work was originally commissioned for Andover by Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

However, the sculpture, unveiled on 27th September, has drawn both praise as a fitting tribute to the Queen and as a misplaced use of local authority funds.

The piece, created by artist Amy Goodman, depicts the monarch in her later years, and is described as wearing a robe adorned with pictures inspired by the community.

The official unveiling ceremony at Town Mills Riverside Park was attended by the Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson, Esq., alongside Goodman, and featured an accompaniment by the Test Valley Brass.

It is the first of two sculptures being created by Goodman, with the second piece – also of the Queen – expected to be installed in Romsey next year.

Amy worked with the local community and schools to capture important memories of the Queen and her links to the town and used these to create the artwork.

TVBC said of the details on the statue’s robe: “The images capture poignant moments from Her Majesty’s life, as well as companions and places she held dear, from riding her beloved horse, Burmese, at Trooping the Colour, to the serene Windsor Castle, and even her cherished corgis and Fell pony, Emma.”

Online reaction on an Andover Facebook forum has been mixed. Positive comments included:

Diane Timms: “Stunning. Please let it be respected both for the Majesty she was and for the amazing artist who recreated her regalness!”

Elvis Wiltshire: “In my life I can only remember Queen Elizabeth and she ruled this country and loved its people. This is a great statue and I hope it will remain intact and never vandalised. A wonderful work by the sculpture.”

However, several made their negative reaction clear:

Tracey Green: “Empty shops, homeless, potholes .. I’m sure they could have spent the money better.”

Steve Lee: “God awful statue. Terrible quality and likeness. Gross waste of public funds from an incompetent council that can’t even provide a basic level of service.

Just an excuse for a few people to get together, feel important and get their picture in the paper.”

Christine Smo Brierley: “Sorry but I see no point in spending money on this. Why for goodness sake? The Queen was ok, but I fail to see what she had to do with Andover. I can think of an awful lot of projects that would have been more beneficial to the community.”

Jodie Baitrum: “I would of rather had the pot holes filled in.”

Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Phil North, said: “This was an incredibly special occasion, and it was an honour that the Lord-Lieutenant, as the personal representative of His Majesty the King in Hampshire, officially unveiled the new sculpture.”

“The occasion of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee was a unique moment in British history and as well as facilitating street parties and beacon lightings, we felt that it was incumbent on us to provide something long lasting to mark that moment, not just for us but for generations to come.

“The artwork stands as a tribute to Her Majesty’s exceptional reign and legacy, as well as the Andover community that helped to shape the final piece.”

The cost of the statues has not been revealed, although an Andover Advertiser newspaper article from 2022 reported a previous tender process for the project saw the contract “worth £200,000”.

Test Valley Borough Council has been contacted regarding the cost of the statue contract.