ABC Council<\/a> has gone out to tender in a bid to appoint a \u201csuitably qualified artist\u201d to create a sculpture of the late Queen Elizabeth II.<\/p>\nWhile no figure has been attached to the tender, it is understood the project could cost up to \u00a380,000 to deliver.<\/p>\n
The move to celebrate the life of the late Monarch \u2013 who passed away on September 8, 2022 \u2013 comes two years after Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council passed a notice of motion approving plans for a \u201csubstantial permanent memorial\u201d to be \u201clocated within Armagh City and be in situ before or during 2026\u201d.<\/p>\n
It has been agreed that the sculpture will be located within the Primate\u2019s Chapel, in the Palace Demesne, where, in March 1995, the late Queen visited to confer city status on Armagh.<\/p>\n
An equality screening completed earlier this year described the memorial as \u201can important decision that will require time, thoughtful planning and design\u201d.<\/p>\n
The motion for a sculpture, which was brought to Craigavon Civic Centre in October 2023, was proposed by TUV Councillor Keith Ratcliffe and supported by 25 councillors, while 15 objected.<\/p>\n
The sculpture aims to \u201crecognise the 70 years of service rendered by the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as the United Kingdom\u2019s longest-reigning monarch\u201d and celebrate her \u201cshining example of exemplary selfless service\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe believe that the memorial should depict Queen Elizabeth II during her coronation and that ideally it would be located in a prominent and visible location in Armagh City,\u201d read the motion, which was seconded by Independent Unionist Alderman Paul Berry.<\/p>\n
The successful motion proposed that \u201cofficers prepare a report, taking this matter forward, to include options for design, location, consultation with appropriate groups, and identification of a suitable budget as part of the estimates process\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis statue will be a fitting tribute by the people of the borough to the late Monarch,\u201d it added.<\/p>\n
Both Sinn F\u00e9in and the SDLP objected to the notice of motion.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe estimate royal spend in recent years to be in and around \u00a3300,000 at a time when this council is trying to make a saving of \u00a35 million, but again we want to build a monument,\u201d said Sinn F\u00e9in\u2019s John \u00d3g O\u2019Kane at the time. \u201cI think the people in this room need to get a grip of reality and see what is happening outside.\u201d<\/p>\n
SDLP Councillor Thomas O\u2019Hanlon opposed the motion on the grounds of cost and its impact on the council\u2019s budget.<\/p>\n
Alliance Councillor Robbie Alexander supported the motion, stating that his party would be \u201ckeen to hear the results of the report and understand potential options, as well as potential costs\u201d, but added that it was \u201cabsolutely right a meaningful and thoughtful memorial akin to the Queen\u2019s contribution be placed within this borough\u201d.<\/p>\n
Fast-forward two years, and the council has now gone out to tender to create the sculpture, which will take the form of a bust.<\/p>\n
The council is seeking an artist to craft \u201ca high-quality permanent, figurative sculpture\u201d \u2013 in the form of a bust \u2013 to \u201crecognise the life and service of the late Monarch\u201d.<\/p>\n
Tender details advise: \u201cThe bust would be in the medium of the artist\u2019s choice and placed on top of a plinth to include a plaque (text to be agreed with council), which may be incorporated into the plinth.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe memorial would be located within the Palace Chapel, Armagh.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe materials would be considered as part of the artist\u2019s commission, with the preferred option and final designs being agreed and signed off by council.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is also proposed that the memorial would be officially recognised. Therefore, it is considered that approval for any memorial, in any form, may be required from the Cabinet Office, and this may be a requirement in terms of any potential unveiling or inauguration.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the tender documentation, the council insists that the bust \u201cmust be a lifelike representation and be immediately recognisable to interested parties and tourists alike, becoming integrated into the historic fabric of Armagh\u201d.<\/p>\n
At this stage, the tender is for expressions of interest for the commissioning of an artist for the Queen Elizabeth II figurative sculpture.<\/p>\n
The deadline for receipt of expressions of interest is Friday, December 12.<\/p>\n
Once an artist is appointed, the expectation is that the sculpture will be produced within a year, with the contract duration estimated at 12 months.<\/p>\n
The earlier equality screening exercise indicated that a bust was \u201cthought to cost in the region of \u00a360,000\u2013\u00a380,000\u201d.<\/p>\n
It reported that \u201cestimated costs for design and commissioning are \u00a320,000, with a further estimate of \u00a360,000 for manufacture and installation\u201d.<\/p>\n
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![\"Queen](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Queen-Elizabeth-Armagh.jpg\")
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