The recent announcement of the shortlisted design teams for the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II has highlighted the inclusion of Heatherwick Studio, collaborating with esteemed sculptor Halima Cassell MBE.
Looking Ahead: The Queen Elizabeth II Memorial
Cassell's collaboration with Heatherwick Studio for the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial is a testament to her esteemed position in the art world. The memorial aims to celebrate the late Queen's life of service, providing a space for reflection and remembrance. The final design is set to be unveiled in April 2026, coinciding with what would have been Queen Elizabeth's hundredth birthday year.
As anticipation builds, both the art community and the public eagerly await the innovative design that Cassell and her collaborators will present, honoring a monarch whose legacy has profoundly shaped the nation.
The selection of finalists for the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial followed a rigorous two-stage open competition. In the initial stage, designers were required to present examples of past projects that aligned with the memorial’s vision, as outlined by the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee. They also had to demonstrate the unique expertise of their multidisciplinary teams. The competition attracted outstanding creative talent from both the UK and around the world. Those who made it to the shortlist will now proceed to the next phase, where they will develop and submit their design concepts later in the spring.
The winning design team will be announced in the summer of 2025, following a thorough review by the Selection Panel. Each design must not only honor Queen Elizabeth II’s extraordinary life of service but also create a space for reflection. Additionally, submissions will be assessed based on criteria such as value for money, placemaking, and visitor experience. Once a design is selected, the team—working in consultation with the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee—will appoint an artist or sculptor to create a figurative representation of Her Late Majesty, with this appointment also expected in summer 2025. The memorial will be situated in St James’s Park near The Mall at Marlborough Gate, a location chosen for its historical, constitutional, and personal significance. The final design will be officially unveiled in April 2026 to mark what would have been Queen Elizabeth II’s hundredth birthday year.
Halima Cassell MBE: A Fusion of Cultures and Artistry
Born in 1975 in Kashmir, Pakistan, Halima Cassell was raised in Lancashire, England, and now resides in Shropshire. This rich tapestry of cultural influences is vividly reflected in her work, which seamlessly blends geometric patterns inspired by Islamic architecture with motifs from North African design.
Cassell's sculptures are renowned for their bold, tactile forms and intricate carvings. Her choice of materials spans from clay and wood to marble and bronze, each piece meticulously crafted to explore depth, shadow, and texture. Her dedication to pushing the boundaries of contemporary craft was recognized in 2024 when she was awarded the UK's leading contemporary craft prize.
Collaboration with the Soden Collection
The Soden Collection, based in Shrewsbury, has played a vital role in promoting Halima Cassell MBE’s work, providing a platform for both established and new audiences to appreciate her unique sculptural style. The gallery showcases a selection of her striking pieces, including Raven (2024) and Memento Mori (2021), highlighting her mastery of form and texture.
Beyond exhibitions, the partnership between Cassell and the Soden Collection has extended into public engagement initiatives. In 2024, she was featured in the gallery’s Arts Trail, a special event celebrating an all-female lineup of artists. This initiative not only reinforced the visibility of women in the arts but also offered an inspiring narrative of creative excellence. Additionally, the Soden Collection hosted a book signing event with Cassell, giving enthusiasts a rare opportunity to gain insight into her artistic journey and process.
Exciting new projects are on the horizon for Halima Cassell MBE and the Soden Collection, with exclusive exhibitions and collaborations in the works. As Cassell continues to push creative boundaries, future showcases will offer fresh opportunities to experience her striking sculptures up close. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements, as this partnership promises more inspiring and innovative ways to engage with her work.
The shortlisted design teams include:
- Foster + Partners with Yinka Shonibare and Michel Desvigne Paysagiste
- Heatherwick Studio with Halima Cassell, MRG Studio, Webb Yates and Arup
- J&L Gibbons with Michael Levine RDI, William Matthews Associates, Structure Workshop and Arup
- Tom Stuart-Smith with Jamie Fobert Architects, Adam Lowe (Factum Arte) and Structure Workshop
- WilkinsonEyre with Lisa Vandy and Fiona Clark, Andy Sturgeon Design, Atelier One and Hilson Moran
"I am truly honored to be part of this incredible opportunity to create a lasting tribute to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This is a deeply significant project, and I fully understand the responsibility of crafting a memorial that reflects her extraordinary life of service, dedication, and grace. It is both exciting and humbling to contribute to a piece of history that will be cherished for generations to come. Working alongside the visionary team at Heatherwick Studio, as well as MRG Studio, Webb Yates, and Arup, makes this experience even more special. Together, we are committed to creating a memorial that resonates with people from all walks of life and stands as a fitting tribute to an extraordinary monarch." – Halima Cassell MBE
Thomas Heatherwick, founder and design director of Heatherwick studio said: “We’re excited to be shortlisted for the memorial. Queen Elizabeth II was a remarkable leader, and our job as designers is to now capture her particular form of leadership and commitment to community, in an extraordinary place that millions of people can visit.”
Photo by Simone Dinoia on Unsplash
