Acclaimed Sculptor Karen Newman to Create Queen Elizabeth II Memorial on Birdcage Walk
Renowned sculptor Karen Newman has been officially announced as the latest artist commissioned to work on the national memorial honouring the late Queen Elizabeth II. The appointment marks a significant step in the development of the tribute, which will feature Newman's sculpture on Birdcage Walk in central London.
Portraying a Complex Personality
Newman, celebrated for her depictions of Second World War heroines, will design a sculpture that aims to capture what she describes as the "strong and complex personality" of the late monarch. The artist, who spent two decades as a sculptor for Madame Tussauds creating wax portrait figures of numerous famous faces, expressed her honour at being selected for this prestigious commission.
"It is a huge honour to be asked to contribute my work to the memorial for Queen Elizabeth II," Newman stated. "She was an iconic and unifying figure in our national story. I am very much looking forward to portraying the strong and complex personality of our late Queen. My approach will be to combine elements of her life in the sculpture, showing her both as an icon and as an individual."
Complementary Memorial Elements
The Birdcage Walk sculpture will complement a larger statue of Queen Elizabeth II overlooking The Mall on the opposite side of St James's Park, created by sculptor Martin Jennings. In a notable development, Jennings' statue will now be accompanied by a separate statue of Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh.
Originally planned to accompany a new Prince Philip Gate on Birdcage Walk according to architect Lord Foster's proposals, the figure of Philip will instead be positioned in a prime spot near Marlborough Gate on The Mall, which leads directly to Buckingham Palace. The Cabinet Office explained that this placement reflects the Queen and Philip's enduring "partnership" throughout her historic reign.
Artistic Collaboration and Tradition
Martin Jennings welcomed Newman's appointment while revealing further details about his own contribution to the memorial project. Jennings confirmed that his statue of the late sovereign will show her in a standing position, maintaining the sculptural tradition established for kings and queens of the House of Windsor.
"I have admired Karen's work for many years and I am delighted that she will be joining the team of artists tasked with making sculptures for the memorial site," Jennings commented. "Her work always has great presence, being both subtle and commanding in equal measure. After careful research and thought, my design for the Queen's monument will emphasise her role as head of state and proudly follows a sculptural tradition that shows kings and queens from the House of Windsor in standing position."
Newman's Distinguished Career
Karen Newman brings considerable experience to the project as a member of both the Royal British Society of Sculptors and the Society of Portrait Sculptors. Beyond her Madame Tussauds work featuring figures such as Prince Philip, former prime ministers Harold Wilson and Sir Tony Blair, Stevie Wonder, and Yoko Ono, she has created several notable public memorials.
Her bronze tribute to British secret agent Noor Inayat Khan, the first female radio operator sent into Nazi-occupied France, stands in Gordon Square Gardens in London. Another bronze work depicting Violette Szabo, who worked for the British Special Operations Executive in France, is positioned outside Lambeth Palace facing the Houses of Parliament. Newman has also created sculptures honouring secret agent Nancy Wake, known as The White Mouse for her remarkable ability to evade capture while leading hundreds of allied personnel to safety from occupied France.
Comprehensive Memorial Design
The national memorial project, for which Lord Foster won the design bid, will incorporate multiple elements beyond the sculptures. These include a new civic space called Queen Elizabeth II Place at Marlborough Gate, a "family of gardens" throughout St James's Park featuring meandering paths, and a new translucent glass unity bridge.
Lord Foster praised Newman's selection, stating: "Her talent and sensitivity will bring a profound sense of dignity to the work, and I look forward to collaborating closely with her and the team in the months ahead."
Final Reveal Scheduled
The complete designs for the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II will be unveiled in April 2026, timed to coincide with what would have been the late monarch's 100th birthday. This carefully planned revelation will mark a significant moment in the nation's commemorations of her remarkable life and reign.
