A COUNCIL in Northern Ireland has defended a new statue commemorating Queen Elizabeth despite it being heavily criticised online.
The bronze sculpture, created by artist Anto Brennan, has been scrutinised by people on social media since it was unveiled in Antrim Castle Gardens last Friday, with some comparing it to Mrs Doubtfire.
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council commissioned the sculpture and claimed it managed to “capture Her Majesty in a dignified pose, reflecting her grace, steadfastness and lifelong dedication to public service”.
The council acknowledged the commemorative statue can prompt “diverse opinions” but added that it was “delighted” with the “generally positive” response.
The local authority also insisted that social media “may amplify certain negative viewpoints” and added it had been more warmly received by those who have seen it “in person”.
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council posted pictures of the sculpture, which stands adjacent to a statue of her late husband prince Philip and was created by the same artist, which received a barrage of negative online messages.
Comments on the posts online have since been turned off by the council.
The new sculpture also received mixed reviews from visitors to the gardens.
When it was revealed, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Neil Kelly expressed his “pride in the council's efforts to honour Her Majesty's memory”.
In a statement Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council said: “The council is delighted with the generally positive response to the new Queen Elizabeth II sculpture in Antrim Castle Gardens.
“It acknowledges that art can sometimes spark diverse opinions, but it's important to emphasise that the sculpture has been warmly received by most who have seen it in person.”
