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A new statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II has been the subject of mockery and indignation – and even likened to movie character Mrs Doubtfire after its controversial unveiling.
Criticised for its posture, face, and alleged failure to resemble the late queen “in any way”, the bronze artwork has been causing controversy since it was unveiled at Antrim Castle Gardens in Northern Ireland on Friday (6 September).
Created by Belfast artist Anto Brennan, the council said the statue, which is accompanied by renderings of the late Prince Philip and the Queen’s beloved corgis, shows the queen “in a dignified pose, reflecting her grace, steadfastness and lifelong dedication to public service”.
The pieces were erected in tribute to the late queen, who passed away at the age of 96 on 8 September 2022 in Balmoral, Scotland.
She was the longest-reigning monarch in British history.
But visitors and commentators alike were left less than impressed by the rendering of her late majesty, who was depicted wearing headscarf and padded jacket similar to those she was often photographed in while walking her dogs.
Some even went as far as to demand that the statue be melted down.
According to the BBC, Vera McWilliam, Antrim and Newtownabbey councillor, said: “We have to be honest, it does not resemble the queen in any shape or form.”
A social media post announcing the unveiling attracted comments that the statue looked “more like Mrs Doubtfire”.
A local visitor, meanwhile, suggested that those responsible for the statues “need their eyes tested”.
“Whoever signed that off needs their eyes tested. It’s not good. I would take it away. It doesn’t do anything in memory for Her Majesty, so definitely I would remove it.”
One visitor from London said that while they appreciated the sentiment behind the statue, its lack of resemblance to the queen was hard to deny in their eyes.
But they did describe the other pieces in the installation as “nice”.
“As it is in her memory I guess it is a good thing but it doesn’t look like her,” they said. “The dogs and Prince Philip look nice, but the queen, it doesn’t look like her.”
The statue has proved so controversial that Newtownabbey Borough Council was forced to turn the comments off after sharing the new artworks on Facebook.
Paul Dunlop, Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, said: “It’s down to personal taste, everyone has their own opinion, but it is what the sculpture represents that is important.”
The controversy surrounding the statue continued on Twitter/X, where users questioned its suitability as a tribute.
Reacting to the statues, one user joked: “Should have gone to Specsavers.”
A second meanwhile dubbed the statues a “waste of bronze” while a third said the pieces were proof that the material should not be used to depict people.
“That’s the funniest thing I’ve seen for a long time,” remarked a fourth.
A spokesperson for Newtownabbey Borough Council told The Independent: “The Council is delighted with the generally positive response to the new Queen Elizabeth II sculpture in Antrim Castle Gardens.
“It acknowledges that art can sometimes spark diverse opinions, but it’s important to emphasise that the sculpture has been warmly received by most who have seen it in person.
“The statue beautifully captures Her Majesty’s grace and steadfastness, standing as a fitting tribute to her extraordinary life and reign.”
