The statue of Queen Elizabeth II by Anto Brennan
courtesy Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough council (Facebook)
A new statue designed to commemorate Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest serving monarch, has faced a wave of criticism, with commentators online comparing the sculpture to Mrs Doubtfire, the character created by Robin Williams in the 1993 film. The controversial effigy by Anto Brennan, which shows the late queen in a headscarf alongside her late husband Prince Philip—was recently unveiled at Antrim Castle Gardens in Northern Ireland.
The work was commissioned by the borough council. But according to the BBC, Vera McWilliam, Antrim and Newtownabbey councillor, said: “We have to be honest, it does not resemble the queen in any shape or form.” Another person asks on the council’s Facebook page: “Did you get the same person that did the Ronaldo one a few years ago?” (Emanuel Santos’s bust of the footballer was widely derided in 2018).
Brennan said nonetheless that the new statue captured the queen “in a dignified pose, reflecting her grace, steadfastness and lifelong dedication to public service”. Comments beneath the council’s Facebook post appear to have been turned off (wise move).
