A statue of Queen Elizabeth II, crafted by renowned sculptor Andy Edwards has been unveiled in Newcastle-under-Lyme’s Queens Gardens.
Commissioned by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council to celebrate the town’s 850th anniversary, the statue of Queen Elizabeth II is based on photographs from her 1973 visit marking the 800th anniversary. The bronze statue, slightly larger than life size, was funded equally by JCB and developers Capital & Centric, and uniquely stands just a few inches above ground level in Queen’s Gardens.
Edwards took a moment to express his deep pride in the project and to reflect on its significance for the community.
In his speech, Edwards shared his thoughts on the lasting legacy of Queen Elizabeth II, noting how her absence still resonates deeply across the country:
“The loss of Queen Elizabeth is still deeply felt across the country and by countless people around the world. She was a constant for all our lives.”
He reminded attendees of poignant moments from the Queen’s life, such as her service during World War II and the solitary image of her at her late husband’s funeral in 2021, a moment that stirred strength and solidarity in people across the nation. Edwards reflected on how the Queen’s constancy offered reassurance in difficult times, and he hoped that this statue would continue to serve as a reminder of her enduring presence:
“It does feel odd, but she’s not around anymore. But I believe people are comforted to be reminded that the Queen knew of how much affection and respect that she was held in.”
Edwards also shared the meticulous process behind creating the statue, revealing how inspiration was drawn from archived photographs and footage of the Queen’s 1973 visit, provided by the Staffordshire Film Archive. He expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by the Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and the project’s sponsors, Lord Bamford and Capital&Centric, who made the project possible.
One of the most touching moments of Edwards’ speech came when he acknowledged the hard work of the tradespeople who helped bring his vision to life:
“Bronze casting is a hard industry populated by hard people performing highly dangerous processes. These are honest trades that are known well and appreciated by the people of Staffordshire. This monument is dedicated to them and their glory, as well as in celebration of our most loved and most long-serving monarch.”
For Newcastle-under-Lyme, the statue represents not just a commemoration of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, but a reflection of the values of the local community, its industrious spirit, and the town’s proud connection to the Crown. As Edwards eloquently put it, the Queen’s legacy continues to represent the “connection between us as people and that which is higher still and never changes or ends.”
The ceremony concluded with a reflection on one of Queen Elizabeth II’s own message from 2002, which Edwards cited in his closing remarks:
“Each day is a new beginning. I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take a long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God.”
This statue, now a permanent fixture in the Queen’s Gardens, will serve as a source of inspiration and pride for generations to come, embodying the Queen’s steadfast commitment to her people and the community’s shared history and heritage.
