Parks and countryside
New sculptures in Walsall to commemorate HM Queen Elizabeth II
Published on
This International Corgi Day (Tuesday 4 June), Walsall Council is delighted to announce that two corgi sculptures are to be unveiled in Walsall Arboretum later this summer to commemorate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Commissioned by Walsall Council and created by Walsall-based arts partnership Planet Art, the sculptures will be made from cast metal. Their surfaces will feature carved flowers and leaves of plants and trees that can be found in the Arboretum. The patterns will also reflect King Charles III’s reign by including a rose for England, a shamrock for Northern Ireland, a daffodil for Wales and a thistle for Scotland, all motifs used for the King’s coronation. The sculptures will incorporate water bowls so that four-legged visitors can also enjoy them.
“ It was felt strongly that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II should be commemorated in some way in the borough. She visited Walsall several times during her reign, including a visit to the Arboretum in 1962. It’s fitting that these statues are to be located in the park and also reflect her love of her favourite dog breed. It’s a pleasure to be working with local artists Planet Art, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing the finished sculptures. “
The commissioned artists are experienced in creating work for the public realm. As well as recent clients such as Red Bull, The National Memorial Arboretum and local authorities across the UK, they have a long history of working with Walsall Arboretum. Their existing work includes ornate signage in the historic core of the park in the centre green as well as a detailed leaf-shaped piece illustrating the poem ‘A Park Is’ by Peadar O'Donoghue.
Artist Julie Edwards, one half of Planet Art holding a maquette of a corgi made during the creative process.
Preliminary drawings of the corgi sculptures by Planet Art.
Preliminary drawing of the corgi sculpture by Planet Art.
“ It’s a pleasure to be making these sculptures for the Arboretum, and to commemorate the late Queen in this way. She was passionate about corgis. To commemorate someone through the things they loved is quite a special thing to do. I’m a real dog lover, but sadly it’s the first time in my life that I haven’t had a dog. For the last few months however, it’s felt like I’ve had corgis in my life! We hope visitors enjoy the sculptures for many years to come. “
The finished sculptures will be located outside the Arboretum’s popular Visitor Centre, and will be unveiled as part of Walsall Arboretum’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
