Queen Elizabeth’s Second Century Concept Designs Include Yinka Shonibare Sculptures
The British government has determined the final design plan for the National Memorial of Elizabeth II in St James’ Park, London.
A team led by Foster + Partners architect Norman Foster, which includes British Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare CBE RA, was selected as the Design Memorial.
The design plans to connect the nearby Royal Garden with natural stone roads and join the existing Blue Bridge on the lake in St James Park to a translucent cast glass railing inspired by Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding tiara.
Shonibare’s Art characters are involved in the project Wind sculpture The symbolic sculpture of the late queen is with her husband Philip on the Birdcage Walk. In the shopping mall, there will be a gate dedicated to Prince Philip and a monument to Elizabeth II.
The team also includes landscape designer Michael Designe, who will work with the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee.
“Together they will choose a sculptor to design the symbolic elements of the monument,” the project statement details. Additionally, “the final design will be officially announced in April 2026 along with the old plan to coincide with Queen Elizabeth’s centenary birthday.”
The UK government selected winning project proposals from the shortlist of five designs.
Public funds are paid for the memorial at a price of £230 to £46 million ($313 to £62.6 million).
For his part, Shonibare has long interrogated cultural and national identities in his works, including monumental sculptures of reclamation. The artist was awarded the commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 2019.
