Residents of Northern Ireland have made fun of a new sculpture that depicts Queen Elizabeth II while it was recently installed.
An sculptor from north Belfast named Anto Brennan was responsible for the creation of the bronze monument of the late Queen, which was revealed at Antrim Castle Gardens last week. The statue is located next to Prince Philip and their two corgis.
“The sculpture captures Her Majesty in a dignified pose, reflecting her grace, steadfastness, and lifelong dedication to public service,” the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council wrote in a post on Facebook, sharing photographs of the new statue. The post also included photos of the statue.
However, a significant number of the comments that were left under the post were of the opposite opinion.
One person remarked that it was “dreadful” and urged the council to “pry it down,” while another said that it was “actually an insult to Her Majesty’s memory; it looks nothing like her.”
“More of an insult than a tribute, looks absolutely horrendous to be perfectly honest,” a different individual commented.
“Riiculous,” “blooming awful,” and “not fit for purpose” were some of the other insults that were directed at the sculpture, and some individuals condemned the council for commissioning the piece.
Someone else made a joke about how it appeared “more like Mrs. Doubtfire” than the late Queen.
The criticism expanded beyond the local community, particularly on X, where art scholar Richard Morris was one of the individuals who provided severe feedback.
In a handful of the remarks, the statue was defended.
“Such a shame people can only find fault in these but don’t think about the time and effort this guy has put into making them,” according to one individual.
The municipality of Antrim and Newtownabbey released a statement stating that there was a “generally positive response” to the sculpture.
According to the official statement, “It acknowledges that art can occasionally spark a variety of opinions, but it’s important to emphasise that the sculpture has received favourable reviews from the majority of people who have seen it in person.”
“The council is very delighted with the way in which the sculpture complements its surroundings. Two meticulously made corgis are standing next to it near the statue of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Visitors have expressed their strong resonance with this arrangement and have praised it for the unique touch it gives to the monument within the gardens.
“The council strongly invites everyone to visit Antrim Castle Gardens and experience the sculpture for themselves, despite the fact that social media may reinforce certain unfavourable perspectives.
“The sculpture serves as a permanent memorial to the wonderful legacy that Her Majesty has left behind, and the district council is pleased to have it as a component of the cultural landscape of the town. Considering that the majority of residents and visitors have expressed good feelings, it is clear that the sculpture has been successful in paying tribute to the memory of Queen Elizabeth II and the lasting impact she has had on the nation.