The Elizabeth Landmark in The Telegraph
How Britain is memorialising the late Queen: from a 180ft high steel blade to clay corgis
“One year on from her death, the statues and memorials to the late Queen are only now taking shape, but with very high ambitions.”
Excerpt:
But without question, the boldest celebration of the Queen's reign will one day be found in the rural wilds of Northumberland, close to the Scottish border. You won't be able to miss it, if you happen to be in the area: a weathered steel blade 180ft high and just off the A68, "Ascendant: The Elizabeth Landmark" will be one of the most striking - and massive- pieces of public art in the country.
"[Unlike others] we know when, where and how, we've got planning permission, we just need the money, then we can crack on and do it," says sculptor Simon Hitchens, who designed the landmark, which is destined for Cold Law near Kirkwhelpington, on land owned by Viscount Devonport. It will be three times taller than Antony Gormley's nearby Angel of the North.
Hitchens describes it best with: "imagine a giant has cut a slice out of Cold Law and risen it so it points to the sun at its zenith and Midsummer's day, due south." A snappier nickname seems inevitable. In CGI designs, it lookslike a huge quill. Hitchens will soon launch a fundraising campaign, and thinks "ballpark, we're looking for £9 million", given it will also involve roads, viewing areas and car parks, but is confident investors will come forward.