Statue of queen derided as looking more like Mrs Doubtfire

Mockery and indignation follow unveiling of sculpture of late monarch at Antrim Castle Gardens in Northern Ireland

One critic said it made the late queen look like Mrs Doubtfire. Others faulted the shape of the face, the posture and the wellies. Some called it offensive and ridiculous, and demanded it be melted down.

Mockery and indignation began within hours of the unveiling of the bronze statue of Queen Elizabeth II at Antrim Castle Gardens in Northern Ireland on Friday.

Detractors said it did not resemble the queen. “It’s actually an insult to her majesty’s memory, looks nothing like her,” said one.

“Take it away. It’s blooming awful,” said another.

Full view of the sculpture of the queen next to a statue of her husband, Prince Philip, along with sculptures of two corgis

The deputy mayor, Paul Dunlop, said the work reflected the late monarch’s passions. Photograph: Stephen Davison/Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press Antrim and Newtownabbey borough council commissioned the local artist Anto Brennan to create the sculpture and professed itself delighted, saying it captured the queen “in a dignified pose, reflecting her grace, steadfastness and lifelong dedication to public service”.

It was placed beside a statue of her husband, the late Prince Philip. Two bronze corgis were also added. “This memorial will stand as a lasting reminder of her dedication to service, her resilience and her ability to unite people across generations,” said Neil Kelly, the mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey.