The UK government has launched an online exhibition showcasing the five proposed designs for a national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II in St James’s Park, London.
The memorial will celebrate the 70-year reign of the late queen, who died at Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland on 8 September 2022.
The public will be invited to have their say about the design concepts for the monument, with this feedback then considered by a memorial committee, which will announce a winning design team in early summer.
The five final teams, chosen in an open design competition, are:
- Foster + Partners with Yinka Shonibare and Michel Desvigne Paysagiste
- Heatherwick Studio with Halima Cassell, MRG Studio, Webb Yates and Arup
- J&L Gibbons with Michael Levine RDI, William Matthews Associates, Structure Workshop and Arup
- Tom Stuart-Smith with Jamie Fobert Architects, Adam Lowe (Factum Arte) and Structure Workshop
- WilkinsonEyre with Lisa Vandy and Fiona Clark, Andy Sturgeon Design, Atelier One and Hilson Moran
Final design to be unveiled in 2026
When a winning team is selected, it will work with the memorial committee on the final design, which is expected to be unveiled in 2026.
The committee is jointly supported by the UK government and the Royal Household, and chaired by the late queen’s former private secretary, Lord Janvrin.
Janvrin said: “Queen Elizabeth II’s extraordinary life of service profoundly touched countless individuals, and she was a figure of great respect and admiration.
“Memories of her long reign are still fresh for so many of us and we need to capture the essence of them for future generations.”
He added, “In recognition of this, it is only fitting that we invite the public to express their views on these design concepts.
“We are delighted to be working with some of the best architects, artists and designers in the world to produce a landmark memorial of outstanding beauty that celebrates and honours the life of Queen Elizabeth II.”
The public can view the proposed designs and provide feedback until 19 May.
Lead image credit: Heatherwick Studio
