If you had deep pockets and a large plot of land, you might construct elaborate gardens or a sculpture park. But neither of those options were of interest to Terence Kearley, Third Viscount Devonport. The patriotic aristocrat has instead commissioned a sculptor to create a dramatic, 180-foot-tall monument to celebrate the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

The landowner-turned-art patron considered proposals from three artistsand this week announced that he has chosen the British sculptor Simon Hitchens to create the $2.6 million monument, called the Elizabeth Landmark. The mountaineer and sculptor plans to work with a group of engineers to execute the ambitious hilltop work.

Now that Lord Devonport has secured an artist and approved a design, he would like to get the royal seal of approval. Ideally, he hopes to convince the Queen herself to inaugurate the Corten steel monument, a spokeswoman for the project tells artnet News. He plans to write to Buckingham Palace with the request. Read more