Simon Hitchens, the artist responsible for designing a grand monument in Northumberland as a lasting tribute to the late Queen’s reign, unveils his aspirations for the project in an upcoming short film.
In his first interview, since planning permission was granted 18 months ago for a 55m public sculpture to be created in the heart of the Northumberland countryside, Hitchens says he wants visitors to The Elizabeth Landmark to be positively“awed” by their “emotional experience”.
Sharing details about the landmark, which, set within a wild landscape of 25 acres, will feature a walking trail that will be open to the public 24/7 and incorporate historical and geographical characteristics of its “undeniably raw and beautifully rugged” location, Cold Law Hill, Simon speaks of his pride in making something of “real longevity”, in keeping with Her Majesty’s reign and the duty to which she devoted to “the countries of her Commonwealth.”
It’s anticipated that exploratory groundworks will begin on site, an area Simon describes as “magical”, later this year as the team behind The Elizabeth Landmark embark on an international fundraising campaign for what is expected to be a £9m venture.
The “elegant, blade-like form” will stand taller than Nelson’s Column in an enduring salute to both the UK’s heritage and its future under the reign of our newly-crowned sovereign, King Charles III.
Named in honour of Queen Elizabeth II, the project, which is unique in the UK in both scale and ambition, will draw tourists to support the local economy as part of the vision of Viscount Lord Devonport, who commissioned it.
“The Cold Law Hill on which the landmark will be situated informs the entire sculpture,” Hitchens explains. “The scale, the location and the orientation of the hill itself have all been intrinsic to the design, such that the sculpture seems as if it could have risen from the ground.
“I think I just want people to be wowed by something extra-ordinary.”
Watch the film to find out more at Vimeo.com, or visit the project website at elizabethlandmark.org.
