New Royal guest at Queen’s School in Chester

Cheshire West and Chester Council has found a fitting new home for a sculpture of the head of Queen Elizabeth II that was previously displayed in Grosvenor Park in Chester.

The artwork formed part of an impressive display in summer 2022 to celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.

This year’s displays to celebrate the coronation of Their Majesties King Charlies III and Queen Camilla are now in place and a new home was needed for the magnificent sculpture of the Queen’s head, created by local artist, Twigtwisters.

Following some research into Royal connections in the borough, Environmental Services officers contacted the Queen’s School in Chester to ask if a suitable location could be found in the school for them to display the artwork.

They were delighted to give the sculpture a new home and StreeCare officers arranged the delivery and installation.

The Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Highways, Councillor Karen Shore said: “It’s wonderful that such a striking sculpture now has pride of place in its new home.  I’m so pleased our teams were able to help make this happen.  They were keen to re-home the sculpture, so the the artwork could be preserved and enjoyed for as long as possible.

Head of Lower School, Iona Carmody said: ‘We are delighted to be the new custodian of this wonderful willow sculpture, kindly donated by Cheshire West and Chester Council. The Queen’s School has always been inspired by Queens; in fact the name of our school was decreed by Queen Victoria herself!

“Queen Elizabeth II was, and continues to be an inspiring role model for us all, and to have this sculpture here as we celebrated her legacy with the Coronation of King Charles felt entirely serendipitous.  She has a commanding presence and gaze over all who enter the school and she will be loved and admired for as long as we able to hold onto her. We are hugely appreciative to the Council for thinking of us … Royal guests will always feel at home at Queen’s!’

Pictured - StreetCare Officer, Phil Hutchinson; Environment Development Officer, Rebecca Irving; Head of the Queen’s Lower School, Iona Carmody and pupils from the school, with the sculpture.