Leading British craftsmen are working on a  gilded sculpture to decorate the prow of the Royal Barge, the vessel that will carry The Queen and other members of the Royal Family in the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant.

The sculpture was designed by Alan Lamb, head of historic carving at City & Guilds of London Art School with Emmy -winning Production Designer Joseph Bennett.

It is being modelled in South London by a small team of staff and students from the art school. Over two tonnes of terracotta clay are being used to create the model, which will be cast in acrylic resin and gilded with 22ct gold leaf.

The sculpture will include images of the Royal Cypher, two enormous sculptures of Old Father Thames, two two-metre high statues of dolphins, and figures of Britannia.

Royal Barge Production Designer Joseph Bennett said: “The magnificent sculpture that will adorn the front of the Royal Barge will truly be a thing of beauty. We’re delighted to have been able to tap into the vision and expertise of some of Britain’s highly skilled craftspeople and it has really been a privilege to work with them.

“The Royal Barge will be the jewel in the crown of the river pageant and with the eyes of the world upon it, it’s a chance for us to display just what Britain and its artisans can achieve.” 

Alan Lamb said: “We want to produce a work of art worthy of the occasion but also something that people will find interesting and entertaining as well as majestic .While still based on traditional images, the dolphins and other sea creatures should appeal to children’s (and adults’) sense of fun, while Old Father Thames and Britannia lend the grandeur that the sculpture needs to perform its ceremonial function.”

Story dated February 26th 2012