This is Leicestershire --A £75,000 sculpture commemorating the life, death and discovery of Richard III has been chosen to stand outside Leicester Cathedral.
The artwork, entitled "Towards Stillness" will feature as part of the Cathedral Gardens project – a development aimed at improving the public space around St Martins cathedral.
London firm Dallas Pierce Quintero has been commissioned to create the piece, which is made up of 12 vertical steel plates.
They are said to reflect Richard III's final moments at Bosworth, the moving of his body to Leicester, his burial, and discovery by archaeologists five centuries later.
The installation was commissioned by Leicestershire County Council and chosen from five shortlisted entries as part of a £250,000 investment in the Cathedral Gardens project.
Council leader Nick Rushton, who was on the selection panel, said: "The cathedral is there for the city and county, and it's important people realise that – that's why we felt it appropriate to contribute to the Cathedral Gardens project.
"This work of art is there to symbolise and commemorate Richard's life and death – but it has to fit in with the ambience of the rest of gardens and the city council's visitor centre."
Mr Rushton said he expected there to be a joint opening of the city council's £4 million Richard III visitor centre and Cathedral Gardens – which stands opposite – in early July.
Canon missioner at the cathedral, the Rev Pete Hobson, said he hoped the piece would inspire passion in visitors once the area is officially opened. "We're very excited about this artwork and think it complements the city's King Richard III statue very well," he said.
"The progression of images will offer a real chance for visitors, not only from our city and county, but also from around the world, to engage with the emotions and feelings around Richard's final battle, his death, burial and, of course, his rediscovery on our doorstep."
Despite positive reactions from many of those involved in the reinterment, the sculpture has not gone down well with everyone.
Richard III Society chairman Phil Stone said he was not inspired by the design.
"It does nothing for me and I think it will be very much out of place, especially when the real statue of Richard III has been moved to the other side of the Cathedral Gardens," he said. What is it meant to represent? Perhaps I'm too much of a traditionalist.
"Of course, we are only seeing an artist's impression and it may look better when it's been made and set up."
Juliet Quintero, Dallas Pierce Quintero director, said: "We are delighted to have been appointed for this prestigious commission and look forward to the challenge of creating an engaging piece of public artwork which will offer viewers a new understanding of Richard III's last moments and journey to date.
"It is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the Cathedral Gardens project and we look forward to working with the county council, city council and the cathedral to realise the artwork." Reported by This is 13 hours ago.