To mark Queen Elizabeth’s 65th anniversary of her coronation next year, Norwich Cathedral is erecting statues of Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh.
York-based sculptor, Charles Gurrey has been awarded the honour of carving the statues that will be placed by the figures by sculptor Gilbert Ledward RA of King George V, Queen Mary, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.
The statues are located in the cathedral cloisters on top of the stone troughs that were once used for the monks to wash their hands before dining.
Location of future statues. Copyright of Norwich Cathedral
This will not be Gurrey’s first work for a cathedral. He has created a portable font in York Minster and architectural sculptures for Guildford Cathedral.
The Rt Rev Graham James, The Bishop of Norwich told the Eastern Daily Press: “The fondness for Norfolk shared by both the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh is well known.
“I believe that many people in the county will be delighted with the proposal to fill two empty niches in the cloisters with statues of the Queen and Prince Philip.
“These will be an elegant reminder of our permanent gratitude for their service to nation and Commonwealth.”
Lord Lieutenant Richard Jewson added: “The announcement that Prince Philip is now ‘winding down’ his duties as he approaches his 96th birthday reminds us all of the long lifetime of service that he and the Queen have given the nation. Norfolk people, too, feel a strong connection through the royal couple’s love of Sandringham. I am sure that many of us will be pleased to have this opportunity to contribute to the cost of the two figures which will bear witness to our high regard and gratitude.”
For anyone who wishes to help support the cathedral in their dedication to The Queen and Prince Philip’s service, they are accepting contributions. A cheque payable to Norwich Cathedral (marked cloisters on the reverse) to The Chapter Steward, The Chapter Office, 65 The Close, Norwich, NR1 4DH.
If there are additional funds left over, the money will be used towards the conservation of the cloisters.
