We are proud to share that Halima Cassell’s sculptural vision forms an integral part of one of the five shortlisted designs for the Queen Elizabeth II National Memorial. Developed in collaboration with Heatherwick Studio, the proposal is a powerful tribute to Her Late Majesty, weaving together themes of unity, remembrance, and grace.
At the core of the Heatherwick-led concept is a memorial walk of seventy stone lily pads, each representing a year of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. These will be inscribed with quotations gathered from across the Commonwealth, reflecting the Queen’s global influence. At the center of this walk will stand a striking limestone sculpture by Halima, sheltered beneath a delicate canopy of sculptural lilies—symbolising the Queen’s quiet strength and enduring presence.
With the designs now publicly released, we invite you to explore them and engage with this moment of cultural reflection. You can view the proposals, including Halima and Heatherwick Studio’s submission, via the Finalists' Gallery. Visitors are encouraged to leave their thoughts and show support for the project that resonates most.
As Halima’s representing gallery, we are honoured to be supporting her throughout this exciting journey. Alongside her national recognition, we’re also working closely with her on Virtues of Unity—a major new installation coming to Shrewsbury Museum this summer as part of the Shrewsbury Arts Trail.
As Halima’s representing gallery, we are honoured to support her during this significant moment in her career. Her selection for the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial comes at a time when her influence is being felt both nationally and locally.
This summer, Halima will take centre stage in the Shrewsbury Arts Trail, where her monumental installation Virtues of Unity will be exhibited at the Shrewsbury Museum. The work, known for its intricate geometry and exploration of shared human values, offers a profound counterpoint to her proposed memorial sculpture—a reminder that Halima’s art is as much about connection and universality as it is about form and beauty.
Her presence in Shrewsbury reflects her ongoing engagement with the local arts community and further deepens the cultural significance of this year's trail. We’re proud to be working closely with Halima on this exhibition and look forward to sharing more details soon.
