Internationally recognised figurative sculptor Jethro Crabb has been appointed by ABC Council to deliver a commemorative bronze portrait bust of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
This important commission, marking the centenary of her birth, was officially announced this week when the Lord Mayor, Alderman Stephen Moutray, joined by local councillors and senior council officers, welcomed the Surrey-based sculptor to a special event at the Palace, Armagh, where a small-scale model of the proposed bust was unveiled.
Speaking at the event, Lord Mayor Moutray, said: “The finished permanent memorial will serve as a fitting tribute to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who holds a unique place in history as the UK’s longest-reigning monarch, following her remarkable 70-year reign.
“We are proud to have commissioned a bronze portrait bust that honours Her Late Majesty’s extraordinary life of dedicated service and captures an exceptional likeness of her during a historic visit to Armagh in 1995 when she officially
conferred city status.
“This moment remains a defining milestone in the city’s history, and the sculpture will serve as a lasting reminder of her enduring connection with the local community.
“As the first sculpture of a sovereign to be installed in the borough, it marks an important moment for our civic heritage and reflects the deep admiration and respect local people have for Her Late Majesty.
“I look forward to seeing the final work installed in the Primate’s Chapel, adjacent to The Palace, early next year. This location is particularly fitting, as it was here that the ceremony to confer city status on Armagh took place, when Her Late Majesty formally presented the Royal Charter to representatives of Armagh City and District Council.
“We are grateful to the Arts Council of Northern Ireland for their guidance and support in helping bring this important project to fruition.”
Figurative sculptor Jethro Crabb showcases his work with this scale model of the proposed bronze portrait bust honouring Her Late Majesty.
The Lord Mayor also thanked the sculptor for his contribution to the project, noting the exceptional quality and craftsmanship evident in his work.
Acknowledging the privilege of working on this prestigious commission, Jethro Crabb said: “I am delighted and honoured to be entrusted with creating this portrait of the Late Queen Elizabeth II.
“My hope is that the bust will be a lasting and fitting memorial, portraying the qualities of dignity and quiet strength which she embodied, as well as her personal warmth, while also celebrating her connection to Armagh.”
Renowned for his series of bronze portrait busts of members of the Royal Family, the sculptor has depicted Her Late Majesty as she appeared during her landmark visit to Armagh on 9 March 1995, dressed in her distinctive coat dress and pearl earrings.
Natural motifs will be incorporated around the lower portion of the bust and decorative panels around the base will feature apple blossom on the front – referencing Armagh’s historic association with orchards – and oak leaves and acorns on the sides, symbolising the Irish oak and the enduring strength and stability of the monarchy.
Two sculpted ribbons adorn either side of the base, providing a visual transition between the portrait and its base. Their flowing forms add movement to the composition while guiding the viewer’s eye around the sculpture.
This maquette of the proposed bronze portrait bust captures an exceptional likeness of the Late Queen Elizabeth II during her historic visit to Armagh in 1995 when she officially conferred city status. ©Edward Byrne Photography
Symbolically, the ribbons represent continuity and connection, reflecting Queen Elizabeth II’s long reign and her role as a unifying figure. Together with the apple blossom and oak motifs, the ribbons help integrate the portrait with the symbolic language of the base, linking the sculpture to both the identity of Armagh and the enduring presence of the Crown.
The life-size bronze bust, measuring 63cm high, will be finished with a rich, mottled patina in bluish-green and grey tones. It will be mounted on a hand-carved plinth made from locally sourced limestone, designed to complement the Georgian architecture of the Primate’s Chapel, Armagh.
Together, the sculpture and its setting have been carefully considered to ensure a respectful, enduring, and visually harmonious monument.
The finished bust will be cast in bronze by Milwyn Foundry and permanently installed in the Primate’s Chapel early next year.
Reacting, TUV Councillor Keith Ratcliffe said: “I am delighted that we have reached the stage where we can reveal the design to the public for the bust of our late Queen.
“TUV brought proposed this Bust, which will be the first Royal sculpture in the Borough, in order to reflect the deep affection and respect which many of the Citizens of this Borough had for the late Queen. Indeed, I am glad that the Bust itself will reflect Her relationship with Armagh, as she will be depicted as she was when she granted CIty Status on 9th March 1995.
“Much thought and consideration has been given to the design to ensure that the memorial is both a lasting and fitting way to commemorate the enormous contribution of Queen Elizabeth II to every facet of life here.
“Only last week we were reminded of the immensely positive contribution which the Royal Family make, with King Charles and Queen Camilla’s three day tour of Northern Ireland. The boost to the communities in which they visited was clear to be seen.
“After a tendering process, I am delighted that Surrey-based sculptor, Jethro Crabb has been appointed to create the Bust. Mr. Crabb is renowned for his bronze portrait busts of members of the Royal Family and it’s clear from the small-scale model that the Bust will be a very good likeness of the late Queen.
“This Memorial will be for all the Citizens of the Borough and is something I believe we can all take pride in.”
