HM Queen Elizabeth II / 19.09.2022 • News • Bennetts Associates

HM Queen Elizabeth II

We pay tribute upon the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

19.09.2022

Whilst the entire UK is processing different reactions to the news of HRH Queen Elizabeth II's passing, it gave individuals here at Bennetts Associates time to reflect on their own brief encounters with The Queen over 30 years in practice.

Our thoughts are with the Royal Family as we collectively mourn Her Majesty’s death and celebrate her remarkable life.

HRH The Queen opening Cass Business School in 2003

I was introduced to the Queen by the Vice Chancellor of City University during the opening of Cass Business School in 2003 who said ‘This is the architect for the building, Ma’am’. Looking at my then fresh face she gestured around and said ‘What, for all this?’ to which I replied ‘Yes Ma’am’. On reflection, I should have added ‘but it was a team effort’ – because it most certainly was!

Julian Lipscombe

Cass Business School now known as Bayes Business School was completed by Bennetts Associates back in 2002

The Queen acceded to the throne the a few months before Denise and I were born and it now feels as if one of the stabilising influences in our lives has gone. Over the years she has opened no less than six of our buildings and I met her a number of times. She was always pleasant, funny and sharp. I’m not a great Royalist but I genuinely feel very sad.

Rab Bennetts

Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, England

We were presented to the Queen at the opening of Royal Shakespeare Theatre in 2011 where she was Patron, we were so struck by her sheer presence and magnetism despite her diminutive stature.

Most recently The Queen opened Storyhouse in Chester, notable not only because it was a great coup for Chester, but also because it was one of the first Royal engagements for Meghan Markle who spent the day alongside the Queen. It was a memorable day for everyone and a perfect celebration of civic pride, culture and community.

Simon Erridge

Simon Erridge and Rab Bennetts meeting HRH The Queen at the opening of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre

Storyhouse Theatre, Chester

Related Projects

Storyhouse

Chester

View Project

2017
A major new civic cultural hub in Chester, presenting drama, film and literature.

Bayes Business School

Islington, London

View Project

2002
This substantial building for City University adjacent to the City of London is core to Bayes Business School’s mission to enhance its standing as an institution of world renown.

Royal Shakespeare Theatre

Stratford-upon-Avon

View Project

2010
Won through international competition, this prestigious project involves construction of a new ‘thrust stage’ main auditorium and remodelling of public and back-of-house spaces whilst retaining the art deco interiors of the existing foyers.