OPINIONS are divided about the new statue of the late Queen at York Minster.
The statue, which was unveiled by King Charles on Wednesday, has won praise for the skill of the stonemason, but also earned criticism on account of it making Her Majesty look "too fat".
One letter writer said the sculpture needed to be reworked, but another commentator said the statue was "a fine piece of work" and said credit was due to York Minster stonemason Richard Bossons who carved it.
We asked readers to give us their verdicts and have had people leave their views from all over the UK as well as abroad.
We are publishing all these responses at the end of the article, but here are some of the replies:
One reader from Huntington gave it the thumbs up: "The statue is absolutely magnificent. It's much more than a statue, it's a permanent reminder of our greatest ever monarch. We will never forget what you did for our country and commonwealth and here is a perfect reminder."
Another reader said: "I think the statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II is a fine piece of work, all credit to Richard Bossons the York Minster Stonemason who carved it."
Read more: Queen statue at York Minster: 'They have made her too fat' - letter
However, Rod Brittle, of Wigginton, was not so impressed and said: "I think the stonemasons should have gone to SpecSavers!"
Virginia Culpin said: "It's horrible and looks more like fat Queen Victoria than our pretty Queen. I'm surprised Charles didn't say 'Get rid of it - it's monstrous!'"
Another reader said: "It doesn't look like the Queen, facially and bodily looks very heavy, she wasn't!"
And this reader thought likewise: "The face of the new statue totally fails to convey the Queen's lively spirit. It doesn't look like her in life."
Debra Holderness contacted us from Denver in the USA to give us her view: "It is horrible. Looks nothing like her. She is too fat."
However, on Facebook, many readers were more appreciative of the work.
Sue Hogarth said: "It’s her robe that’s making it look that way, I think the stonemason has done a brilliant job."
Donna Marie Popplewell added: "Nothing wrong with it."
And Sarah Camp posted: "It looks better when viewed from below, than head-on in some of the pictures. The stonemasons are used to having to skew perspective when making statues that will be seen from the ground. The St Peter high on the East Front is carved to be seen from below... it would look rather strange if it was closer to the ground."
What is your view? Tell us via the Send Now button below...
Community answers
Queen statue at York Minster - tell us your view
"What do you think about the new statue of the late Queen Elizabeth at York Minster? Tell us here..."
We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?It does not do our queen justice at all she had a beautiful smile anyway of slim build this looks nothing like her
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?Her face is too stern
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?It makes her look surly and she had such a lovely smile. Not at all impressed.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?I think it's looks nothing like our Queen face is far too fat . I can't put my finger on it something is not right
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?Only the hair and tiara were 100 per cent. The Queen's facial expression all wrong and she looked plump, when her majesty was petite and a lovely smile. Her hands looked like she did manual labour. It's a shame this has to depict our late Queen.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?Brilliant workmanship. However it is a poor representation of the Queen. She would not like it.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?I had to look twice as it looks like she was 3 stone heavier than she was, her face doesn't look right either.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?I do not recognize my Queen in that statue, which reflects nothing about her stature or her personality. Furthermore, the orb and staff look like they've been placed to one side, as an afterthought.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?Insulting to how she actually looked. Does not convey her indomitable character. Appears sour faced and overweight which the Queen never was.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?The statue isn't a good likeness of the late Queen Elizabeth at all she looks far too severe which isn't what she'll be remembered for and the statue is far too stout a shape she definitely wasn't. It's horrible.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?I am sorry to say, but the statue of the Queen does not look like her at all. The Queen always had a warm smile and her beautiful blue eyes were simply remarkable and loved to laugh.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?I recognise that the Queen does not look exactly as she was in life but the stalwart in her sings out loudly in this very fine piece of stonework. It's refreshing to see a different perspective of our late Queen; she seems to be depicted in younger times when she was more 'fleshy' and her expression is of strength and a deep foresight is etched in her face. Beautiful.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?Absolutely amazing, yes I agree her face is a little chubby, but then how many of us could manage to chip away a stone to create something this amazing? That's the only thing to me that maybe needs sanding down a shade, but other than that it's quite superb. The fact that our beloved Queen only left us 2 months ago is quite a testament to this gentleman's talent.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?Awful....Queen Elizabeth had a beautiful, warm smile and twinkling eyes. This statue makes her look stern and fat...like Queen Victoria....an insult to our ever smiling queen.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?It is absolutely awful. This statue looks nothing like her The late Queen was a very beautiful woman, throughout her reign and in her later years was the epitome of grace and style. This sculptor has, sadly, not captured her great spirit.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?Thought it was funny that one of the people who defends this awful statue basically makes the argument 'it will look good further away' !
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?Chubby cheeks, I like it, Elizabeth ll , was not skinny. It a nice tribute. Sculptures always lose something. Look at Christiano bronze statue. Now that is scarry. No I think it is a good statue of our Queen. Please don't tear her down .
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?I think it is awful. Looks nothing like her.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?It doesn't look at all flattering to our late queen. She looks to pompous it would have been better to have her smiling as that is how people remember her.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?It doesn't look like our late Queen Elizabeth 2nd. It doesn't look like her face. Her body was never that fat and frumpy ever. It's terrible it should be re-modelled. Her facial features don't convey her lively spirit. Remove the statue.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?The Queen's statue shows her frame as heavy, whereas she was petite. She also looks like she's sulking, when she had such a fun personality and lovely smile.. she didn't have a protruding tummy neither. Can't the statue be redone?, this is not how we remember her. The statue doesn't complement her at all.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?Playing and simply no a poor effort nothing like the Queen Elizabeth 2
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?Absolutely terrible. The Queen was beautiful, and regal. Here she looks fat, grumpy and old. Take it down
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?It's respect please learn to admire the craftsmanship rather than criticize.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?It's absolutely fine. The stonemason has done a marvellous job.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?Watch you tube video about person who designed it and if all these critics can do better then they should do it themselves. So much hard work gone into it. We should be honoured to have it as a tribute to the most amazing woman, in our beautiful city. Get a grip people.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?I don't think it's a true representation of our queen at all, her smile was one of her nicest features and the smile on the statue doesn't match at all...I just don't like it if I'm being honest
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?It's unflattering and frankly, nothing like our beautiful Queen. It's a disgrace. Should be removed ASAP.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?She does look a bit chubby but there's nowt wrong with that.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?This statue looks nothing like our Queen. What a terrible shame.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?I was always fond of her late majesty. Seeing this piece of art did really annoy me. Her majesty was never so fat which makes her look so bulky. Replace it with something more decent. She deserves better.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?I'm on the 'looks to fat' side of the fence. Face especially
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?That does not do our late Queen the justice. She was not fat. And it does not convey her love and kindness. Get rid
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?She looks too heavy and too serious. We are used to a smile from the queen even if it's only from her eyes.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?It should of been more petite and elegant, It is good sculpture but seems to be more like Queen Victoria's.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?So proud of it, it captures the the Queen perfectly, well done to York's finest stonemason.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?I think Ms. Popplewell's remarks are the best best and fairest and clearly constuctive and objective! I couldn't have produced anything remotely as clever... could anyone else who is so critical ?
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?Looks nothing like the Queen. Face is wrong. Expression wrong. And a bit fat. An earlier younger looking statue would have been far nicer. Thank you.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?Unrealistic, a disgrace of a reminder to the Queen. Too stout she was like that!! Take it down please she deserves better that this statue.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?No..this is not our Queen Looks nothing like her
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?It looks like her, but she looks a bit heavier in the body. Her facial expression also doesn't quite capture her charm and vivacity. It's a grand statue, though, and looks very regal. The stone cutter did a very good job.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?It's very good,but the smile should have been more pronounced, because the Queen was a happy Monarch.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?I would like to say the stonemasons have done a good job portraying our late Queen I've only seen it on the telly but liked what I saw as I'm York born and bred I'm home for xmas so will definitely take a look.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?I think it looks more like Princess Margaret than the Queen.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?The face is all wrong - too severe and the eyes just don't work at all. Shame.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?It looks more like Princess Margaret and she looks fat, whoever allowed this statue to portray our glorious Queen and it should have stood at ground level
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?Looks nothing like her Majesty. Completely agree with many others. The facial features and figure looks nothing like the real queen. Whatever angle your looking from.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?Our late queen was a slim woman. The statue makes her look plump also I don’t think it looks like her. She was always smiling but this makes her look the complete opposite.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?I think its very fine and will age well. It has nobility and gravitas.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?I think it looks dreadful. Not captured her great spirit at all, heavy and lumbering
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?It's ugly
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?Some is very beautiful but eye bags and sausage fingers spoil it. Better than most of us could ever do
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?I think it looks great and the previous article of her being too fat is just another petty comment from someone who couldn't do better himself. There's clearly a lot of work gone into the statue. Considering the Queen herself agreed upon it before she passed, maybe you should just appreciate it.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?Awful
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?It is horrible. Looks nothing like her. She is too fat.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?The face of the new statue totally fails to convey the Queen's lively spirit. It doesn't look like her in life.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?No! It doesn’t look like the Queen, facially and bodily looks very heavy, she wasn’t!
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?It's horrible and looks more like fat Queen Victoria than our pretty Queen. Who chose the 'artist' to make this? Surely the sculpure's previous works should reflect what they are capable of. I'm surprised Charles didn't say "Get rid of it - it's monstrous!"
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?I think the stonemasons should have gone to Spec Savers !
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?I think the statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II is a fine piece of work, all credit to Richard Bossons the York Minster Stonemason who carved it.
What do you think about the new statue of the Queen at York Minster - does it look like her?The statue is absolutely magnificent. It’s much much more than a statue, it’s a permanent reminder of our greatest ever monarch. We will never forget what you did for our country and commonwealth and here is a perfect reminder.
Queen statue at York Minster - tell us your view
What do you think about the new statue of the late Queen Elizabeth at York Minster? Tell us here...
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