THE LANDMARK
Sensitive to land and place: born in form, material and presence from the majestic geography that supports it.
The Elizabeth Landmark is set to be a 55-metre-high landmark sculpture at Cold Law, Northumberland.
The landmark will celebrate the unity, heritage and diversity of the Commonwealth, pay respect to Queen Elizabeth II, and create a place in which to reflect on the past and future of Britain and its place in the world.
Designed by artist Simon Hitchens, The Elizabeth Landmark has been shaped by the geography, topography and heritage of its setting. The sculpture will stand at the height of the adjacent Hepple Heugh and has been conceived specifically for this location.
The site-specific nature of the landmark is significant in a number of ways:
The region’s connection to Lord Armstrong and Sir Charles Parsons is reflected in the turbine blade form of the sculpture and in its use of weathering steel.
Bronze Age finds in the valley, including stone artefacts understood to be astronomical markers of the Winter Solstice, are echoed in the sundial-like aspects of the design.
The sculpture will have 96 lateral fins, one for each year of the life of Queen Elizabeth II.
Positioned north of all Commonwealth capitals, the landmark’s orientation reflects its relationship to the wider Commonwealth.
The purpose-built path from the public road east of the A68 to The Elizabeth Landmark will feature work by poets and writers from across the Commonwealth. The wider site will include paths of local stone, standing stones marking the solstices, equinoxes and Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday, and a hill-top seating area with interpretation connected to the landscape, the Commonwealth and Queen Elizabeth II. The walking trail and car park will be open to the public all day, every day.
Alongside its commemorative and cultural role, the project has been developed with environmental and social sustainability in mind, including ambitions around recycled steel, green concrete, circular materials and biodiversity net positive.
“Our ambition is to create a long-lasting, proud landmark that will draw visitors from around the world for hundreds of years to come.”