The Elizabeth Landmark, Northumberland
A major landmark in the wild countryside of Northumberland celebrating our heritage and our future.
The Elizabeth Landmark will be a major Northumbrian landscape sculpture with an elevation of 55 metres, or 180 feet, and is destined to endure as the most prominent landmark in the Border Region.
As a permanent celebration of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and the countries of her Commonwealth, its ‘ascendant’ form will become an iconic visitor attraction of national and international importance. It will be a source of regional pride, creating a welcoming focal point within its majestic rural setting.
In a video created before the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Viscount Devonport - a patron of the landmark, explains its unique contribution to Northumberland and The Commonwealth.
The Elizabeth Landmark, Northumberland
The Landmark
The Elizabeth Landmark will be an eye-catching, thought-provoking and awe-inspiring piece of public art.
Through its unique and site-specific design it will transform a remote but beautiful part of Northumberland into a focal centre for visitors and tourism.
Simon Hitchens, the artist behind The Elizabeth Landmark
The Artist
Simon Hitchens, who is from the distinguished line of landscape artists including his grandfather Ivon Hitchens, is the artist and sculptor behind The Elizabeth Landmark. Simon has created a sculpture “which will grow from a sensitivity to land and place; born in form, material and presence from the majestic geography which supports it.”
Cold Law and The Elizabeth Landmark in the distance
The Location
The site of The Elizabeth Landmark, Cold Law, is chosen for its topographical qualities and for its historical significance. Elements of the location are referenced in the landmark itself, from the earthly, umber tones found in the landscape to Lord Armstrong’s first ironworks established just west of the site; mirrored in the materials used.
Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh at Balmoral, 1972
The Vision
The Elizabeth Landmark will celebrate the unity, heritage and diversity of The Commonwealth and pay respect to Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch, who offered leadership and guidance to the United Kingdom and The Commonwealth for 70 years.
THE ELIZABETH LAndmark
A lasting legacy.
Good art challenges and helps grow the nation’s horizons. The Elizabeth Landmark will be eye-catching, thought-provoking and awe-inspiring through its unique and site-specific design, speaking of matters beyond the daily round.
Our ever-shrinking world needs experiences which expand perspectives in the way that this uplifting landmark will do.
Apart from its role as a celebration of a great monarch, the landmark will be symbolic of the highest aspirations of the nation and the Commonwealth, pointing with the confidence towards the many challenges and opportunities of the centuries ahead.
The Elizabeth Landmark will be a stunning addition to Northumberland’s cultural tourism offer. It will be a contemporary cultural destination for visitors to enjoy, along with other popular arts and heritage attractions such as Hadrian's Wall, the castles and coast, Northumberlandia land sculpture or Kielder’s Art and Architecture programme.
The walkway cut from the bedrock of the site to take visitors underneath The Elizabeth Landmark