Digital Editions
Newsletters
Subscribe
Digital Editions
Newsletters
Art market
Museums & heritage
Exhibitions
Books
Podcasts
Columns
Technology
Adventures with Van Gogh
Art market
Museums & heritage
Exhibitions
Books
Podcasts
Columns
Technology
Adventures with Van Gogh
Diary
blog

'Quite butch' vs 'wonderful'—new statue of Princess Diana seriously splits opinion

The Art Newspaper
1 July 2021
Share
Princess Diana, Ian Rank-Broadley courtesy Kensington Palace

Princess Diana, Ian Rank-Broadley courtesy Kensington Palace

The statue unveiled today of Diana, the Princess of Wales, was never going to please everyone. The work in bronze by Ian Rank-Broadley shows the late royal with three children (the piece is intended apparently to represent the “universality and generational impact” of the princess’s work). But the intriguing piece has polarised people. One contributor on twitter said that “it might grow on me but it’s a bit scary” while another said the piece looked “quite butch”. Others gushed—“this is her pure essence… it’s wonderful,” said a more effusive social media post. “It’s a tough gig,” said an art critic who naturally preferred to remain nameless. Princes Harry and William seemed satisfied with the likeness nevertheless as they unveiled the sculpture in the sunken gardens at Kensington Palace on what would have been Diana’s 60th birthday. “Thank you to Ian Rank-Broadley, [garden designer] Pip Morrison and their teams for their outstanding work, [and] to the friends and donors who helped make this happen,” tweeted the happy princes.

Today, on what would have been our Mother’s 60th birthday, we remember her love, strength and character – qualities that made her a force for good around the world, changing countless lives for the better. pic.twitter.com/jsZXyUsG7q

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 1, 2021
DiarySculpturePrincess Diana
Share
Subscribe to The Art Newspaper’s digital newsletter for your daily digest of essential news, views and analysis from the international art world delivered directly to your inbox.
Newsletter sign-up
Information
About
Contact
Cookie policy
Data protection
Privacy policy
Frequently Asked Questions
Subscription T&Cs
Terms and conditions
Advertise
Sister Papers
Sponsorship policy
Follow us
Instagram
Bluesky
LinkedIn
Facebook
TikTok
YouTube
© The Art Newspaper

Related content

Diaryblog
3 October 2023

Is Damien Hirst's Medusa dessert a delicious work of art?

The artist's epic sculpture of Medusa at Bacchanalia in London has inspired a new £50 pudding

The Art Newspaper
Diaryblog
23 June 2023

Richard I or a big squiggle? Nick Hornby unveils equine sculpture in the heart of Westminster

The commission is the first of three works by the artist to be unveiled in the capital this year

The Art Newspaper
Diaryblog
29 October 2024

Erection of phallic sculpture in Naples sparks heated debate

Gaetano Pesce’s new public sculpture enflames city councillors

The Art Newspaper