The Unicorn of Scotland

myminifactory

This sculpture showcases the Unicorn of Scotland, one of Queen Elizabeth II's iconic Beasts. The original Beasts were ten heraldic statues crafted by the Ministry of Works for her coronation ceremony on June 2, 1953, designed by renowned sculptor James Woodford. It was decided that they would be gifted to a Commonwealth government, and Canada was chosen as the recipient in 1959; they now proudly stand at the Canadian Museum of History in Quebec. In 1956, a replica set of Beasts were created from Portland stone once again by James Woodford, donated to Kew Gardens. Visitors arriving at the main entrance of the Palm House are greeted with these sculptures. Since the late 16th century, two unicorns have been adopted as supporters of the Scottish Royal Arms. In 1603, the English crown passed to James VI of Scotland, who then became James I of England; he took a crowned lion of England and one of his Scottish unicorns as supporters for his Royal Arms. The unicorn proudly holds a shield featuring the Royal Arms of Scotland, a lion rampant in a royal treasure adorned with fleur-de-lis.