THE ELIZABETH LANDMARK: THE STORY SO FAR
A permanent celebration of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and the countries of her Commonwealth the landmark will become an iconic visitor attraction of national and international importance.
The Elizabeth Landmark will be a major Northumbrian landscape sculpture with an elevation of 55 metres. It will be the second highest in the United Kingdom 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 also be a source of regional pride and inspiration in a majestic rural setting.
The Inspiration and the Work of Art
An open competition for the project was won by sculptor Simon Hitchens, who is from the distinguished line of landscape artists, which includes his grandfather Ivon.
The objective of the open competition was ‘to produce a contemporary landmark and cultural destination which benefits the local community and economy, and which celebrates Queen Elizabeth II’s services to the country and her life-long dedication to the Commonwealth’.
Simon’s response was to propose a sculpture ‘which would grow from a sensitivity to land and place; born in form, material and presence from the majestic geography which supports it’. He asks the viewer to imagine that a giant has cut a thin slice through the hill and elevated one end so that it now points to the sun at its zenith on Midsummer’s Day.
Made from weathering steel, this elevated slice of hill will be a rich orange/red in colour, while its upper curved surface will a direct match to the topographical form of the hill from which it has been born.
Art that challenges and uplifts
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 of its steel towards the many challenges and opportunities of the centuries ahead – many of which may perhaps reside in the heavens.
The individuals and investment behind the project
The vision behind the project is that of Viscount and Viscountess Devonport, owners of the Ray Estate, who have gifted just shy of 25 acres around Cold Law Hill on which the landmark is to be constructed.
Together with their associates, and a world-class team, they have funded the project competition and all design and professional costs leading to the granting of planning permission – representing a prior committed investment of over £300,000 to date.