Sculpting Elizabeth: A tribute to the Queen’s wartime service

Princess Elizabeth enlisted in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), the women's branch of the British Army, at the age of 18. She began her training in March 1945 and passed out as a fully qualified driver. Following her coronation as Queen Elizabeth II, she became Commander-in-Chief of the British Armed Forces.

British artist Keziah Burt sculpted the portrait bust during a week-long residency at the National Army Museum in the summer of 2022. As well as being passionate about art, Keziah is a military spouse and is active in supporting military families. This made her connection to the project all the more poignant.

In the wake of Her Majesty's death on 8 September 2022, the bust took on new significance. It now stands proudly on display in the Museum foyer, acting not only as a tribute to the Queen’s service in the Army, but also as a memorial to her life and legacy.