Work to create a statue of Queen Elizabeth II in Newcastle-under-Lyme has begun thanks to two leading companies.
Staffordshire excavator giant JCB and social impact developer Capital & Centric are jointly funding the statue commissioned by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council to mark the borough’s 850th anniversary.
It is being crafted by Staffordshire artist Andy Edwards. His previous works include the landmark Beatles statue in Liverpool and a bronze bust of JCB Founder Joseph Cyril Bamford CBE in 2016 to mark the centenary of his birth.
Andy is basing his latest sculpture on photographs of the late Queen’s 1973 visit to the town. Work has started on the statue just days before what would have been Her Majesty’s 98th birthday.
It will include minute details such as the famous Cambridge brooch which the late Queen wore when she visited the town.
JCB Chairman, Anthony Bamford, said: “Her Late Majesty paid many visits to Staffordshire over her 70-year reign, each one evoking very special memories for many thousands of people.
“I am delighted that we can play our part right here in Staffordshire in commemorating her life of service, using fabulous artistic skills for which our county is renowned.”
Capital & Centric are overhauling several key sites in Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre, including York Place, the Midway car park and Ryecroft.
Joint managing director, John Moffat, said: “We’re working up plans to revitalise the town centre with exciting designs for key sites.
“It’s a pleasure to be able to support the creation of this new landmark for the town by a talented local sculptor, which will be pride of place in Queens Gardens. It’ll be a touching tribute to the Queen – a timely nod to the past as we map out the town centre’s future.”
