Tarnished Crown, 2026 – ceramic sculpture by Andy Brooke

Designed for anyone who considers themselves worthy of wearing a crown or sees themselves as a king or queen.

a circular decoration for the head, usually made of gold and jewels (= precious stones), and worn by a king or queen at official ceremonies

an artificial piece used to cover a damaged tooth

the top part of a head, hat, or hill:

the act of winning a sports competition:

a British coin used in the past, worth five shillings or a quarter of one pound

part of a turkey or other large bird eaten as food that includes the breast (= chest parts) but not the legs:*

Because this country does not belong to kings, dictators, or tyrants. It belongs to We the People — the people who care, who show up, and who fight for dignity, a life we can afford, and real opportunity. No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings.**

Instead of a king, we want someone chosen by the people, not running the government but representing the nation independently of our politicians.***

You shall have no other gods before Me. Deuteronomy 5:7

In a world of crumbling kingdoms and shattered values, there is a fear for faith and innocence is traded for information. Knowledge becomes content without understanding and we do not know what thoughts are not pointless.

The point of thinking is determined by the thought – and empty thoughts exist to kill time rather than extend it. As a sign, the crown rules them all, assuming all pay homage to an idea that raises one to a higher level that only God can bestow.

So the ceremony (inauguration, coronation etc) must involve an oath to God or a higher power to legitimise itself; yet we know this is a flawed construct because inevitably the monarchy or president is vulnerable to human weakness. The ideal is not achievable, yet still we believe in it.

There is no divine right of kings but we act as if there is. Because deep down we know there is One who has the right.

*Cambridge English dictionary

**No Kings Movement, USA

***Republic Movement, UK