Explore the story behind York Minster’s recently unveiled statue of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in a new exhibition – Sculpting the Sovereign.

The exhibition goes behind the scenes in the creation of the sculpture, which was produced to mark the Platinum Jubilee in 2022 and will stand as a lasting memorial to Her Late Majesty and as a tribute to her life of service and devotion.

Learn about the statue’s creation and explore its development from initial designs, through the modelling process to the carving of the final sculpture, a process which combined cutting edge technology alongside world-class heritage craft skills.

The statue was created by Richard Bossons, a York Minster stonemason and master carver, and sits in a niche at the cathedral’s West End. It was unveiled by His Majesty The King on 9 November 2022 and blessed by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell.

The unveiling of the statue is the first phase of a much wider vision to create extensive public realm improvements at the West Front of York Minster, including creating a European-style square which will be named Queen Elizabeth Square in honour of Her Majesty.

Learn more about the cathedral’s Neighbourhood Plan, including the development of a Centre of Excellence for Heritage Crafts Skills and Estate Management.

The Sculpting the Sovereign exhibition will be open in the cathedral’s North Transept during general admission times.