On 14 December 2022, His Majesty King Charles III attended the Palace of Westminster for a visit of thanksgiving and remembrance in honour of The King’s mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. With this occasion he unveiled a pair of unique bronze sculptures by artist Tim Crawley, cast at Morris Singer Art Foundry, to mark the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
A great privilege for our British foundry and its skilled technicians to work with an artist like Tim Crawley. The gift that has been designed is spectacular, and a fitting tribute to Her Majesty The Queen.
The design features the four heraldic beasts of the UK – the Lion of England, the Unicorn of Scotland, the Dragon of Wales, and the Irish Elk of Northern Ireland.
©UK Parliament/Roger Harris
The gift - a pair of unique bronze sculptures featuring the heraldic beasts of the United Kingdom – will also serve as illuminated beacons, symbolising the guiding light Her Majesty has been to the Nation, and to Parliament, throughout her reign.
Commemorating a unique moment in the nation’s history, the Platinum Jubilee gift is situated between two previous gifts to Her Majesty - the Diamond Jubilee window in Westminster Hall and the Silver Jubilee fountain in New Palace Yard.
All four countries of the United Kingdom are represented in the work, including the Lion of England, the Unicorn of Scotland, the Dragon of Wales and the Irish Elk of Northern Ireland. Sited in a busy area of the Parliamentary Estate, the sculptures will also offer a practical purpose, illuminating both the throughfare as well as the medieval Westminster Hall. The lanterns themselves reflect the shape of St Edward’s Crown.
The Speaker and Lord Speaker asked Rt Hon Michael Ellis QC MP, who organised The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Gift in 2012, to lead on the current Jubilee project, which as in 2012 has been entirely funded by personal donations from members of both Houses and from across the political spectrum - with no expense to the taxpayer. Members of the public will be able to view the gift from the free-to-access areas of the Palace of Westminster.
Cambridge-based sculptor Tim Crawley was chosen to design the sculptures - working with Hampshire fine art foundry Morris Singer. Taking inspiration from the architecture and heraldic art found within the Palace of Westminster, Crawley studied the stone carvings and masonry in the immediate area, creating pieces that are sympathetic to their environment.
“ “Naturally, I was delighted to work on this prestigious commission – which both celebrates such an important national event and adds something new to this iconic building. Looking back now that it is complete, I recognise the huge privilege of being trusted with the work and have really enjoyed working closely with the Speakers of both Houses and Michael Ellis MP to make it a success.””
Sculptor Tim Crawley (right) with Morris Singer Art Foundry Director John Berelowitz (left).
““Throughout the project, our team have ensured that the moulding, casting and finishing required for this piece was able to progress with ease.
With the gift now unveiled by His Majesty, King Charles III, we are delighted that the Morris Singer Foundry will be forever associated with this historic work – situated in the magnificent Palace of Westminster””