We are used to the transformation of natural stone into art in Italy. Every time we go to the Marmomac Fair, we stop by the Stone Theater, admire the works made using natural stone, and sigh that we wish we had it too. The Çelikkol Marble stand we came across while visiting Marble Izmir was like a tribute to that Stone Theater. The artifacts surrounding the stand and the Queen Elizabeth II hat at the entrance were dazzling.
We immediately went to the architects of this vision, Fatma Çelikkol Yavuzer and Tansu Çelikkol, and asked them about the signature behind the works. And they introduce us to Interior Architect and Natural Stone Designer Deniz Çobanoğlu. Çobanoğlu, who comes from the natural stone sector, has carried her passion and admiration for these natural wonders to her works. The UK-based artist skillfully combines the natural beauty of stones with design technologies to create truly unique works of art.
Çobanoğlu, who continues his artworks in London, is preparing to make an impact in the UK with the Queen Elizabeth II “Hats of Passions” exhibition dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II.
Made from Turkish natural stones supplied by Çelikkol Marble, the series reflects the different passions of Queen Elizabeth II. Çobanoğlu says, “It is not just a hat that Her Majesty wears. Rather, it is a symbol that encompasses various passions and exquisite tastes.” The artist aims to present his works to the British with the exhibition he will soon open in London.
“The project was realized by carefully selecting 7 different Turkish marbles symbolizing 7 different hats of Queen Elizabeth II,” says Deniz Çobanoğlu: “The work took 1.5 years in total. Each marble had different characteristics and challenges, but the resulting artifacts made it all worthwhile. The Hats of Passions exhibition aims to convey Queen Elizabeth II’s choice of headgear and the passions they represent through marble sculptures. Each bust sculpture is a meaningful reflection of the Queen’s glorious personal world, depicting her deep appreciation of art, her deep devotion to nature, her interest in astrology and more.”
Horse
The white marble statue is a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II’s deep passion for horses.
Swan
The elegant Swan statue celebrates Queen Elizabeth II’s enduring admiration for these graceful birds.
Astrology
The Marmara marble, known as the Equator, represents Queen Elizabeth II’s deep fascination with the cosmos and astrology.
Mechanic
Made of black marble, the Mechanical sculpture pays homage to the Queen’s enduring passion for automobiles.
Fashion & Textile
This stunning sculpture represents how Queen Elizabeth II influenced her country’s fashion and textile industry.
Lily of the Valley
The red travertine marble statue is a tribute to the Queen’s deep interest in the Lily of the Valley plant.
Bike
The bicycle sculpture is a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II’s deep appreciation for bicycles.
