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A giant portrait of Queen Victoria will be unveiled at Royal Victoria Place in Tunbridge Wells by artist Helen Marshall

09:00, 20 April 2015

updated: 09:25, 20 April 2015

West Kent's largest shopping centre is set to host the unveiling of a specially commissioned giant portrait of Queen Victoria.

The ceremony of 'Victoria at 21' will be performed by the Mayor and Mayoress of Tunbridge Wells at Royal Victoria Place tomorrow.

Special guests and local dignitaries will attend before the piece goes on permanent public display at the shopping centre.

Royal Victoria Place in Tunbridge Wells
Royal Victoria Place in Tunbridge Wells

This community art project which was launched at the end of 2013, was commissioned by Royal Victoria Place to commemorate its 21st Birthday and its links with the town’s royal heritage.

The artwork is composed of over 3,000 photographs featuring those submitted online by the public, from the centre archives and a whistle stop tour of the town itself undertaken by artist Helen Marshall visiting well-known local businesses, organisations and schools between December 2013 and June 2014.

Helen is a British artist with her work being rooted in photography and design.

She has a track record in socially engaged and collaborative practice in the public realm.

In 2008, she created the Record-Breaking ‘The Big Picture’, which was the largest Photomosaic in the world.

In 2013, BBC South East commissioned Helen to produce ‘The People’s Monarch’ to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee which is now on permanent display at Gatwick Airport.

Marc Burchett, marketing manager of Royal Victoria Place who spearheaded the project said:We are so proud of this unique artwork created by Helen Marshall, who has passionately engaged with our community to ensure that as many people as possible had the opportunity to be involved with this community project.”

Victoria at 21 will be on permanent public display at Royal Victoria Place from Wednesday located on level 2 between BHS and Ernest Jones.

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