West Country-based sculptor Simon Hitchens to create a landmark to Queen Elizabeth II

West Country-based sculptor, Simon Hitchens is the artist chosen by Lord Devonport to realise his vision for a monument to Queen Elizabeth II and The Commonwealth. After a month of exhibitions in which shortlisted artists Simon Hitchens, Colin Rose and Peter J. Evans displayed their interpretations of Lord Devonport’s idea, which originated some 25 years ago, Hitchens’ steel sculpture has been chosen to be taken forward to a pre-planning application.

Speaking of the developments, Lord Devonport said, “The quality of the three proposals was extremely high and it was very important to me to gather public feedback, from the website and our exhibitions which is why we extended our community consultations in July.”

The public feedback echoed that of the selection panel with Hitchens’ proposal coming out on top, as the unanimous favourite.

As such, a team of engineers will now work alongside the artist to develop a detailed technical design which will form part of the pre-planning application required by Northumberland County Council.