Castle exhibition takes fresh look at Elizabeth I

An exhibition of "powerful and macabre" ceramic sculptures has gone on display at Kenilworth Castle.

They feature historical and mythological figures, portrayed as animals, and are the work of award-winning artist Lindsey Mendick.

Her collection, entitled Wicked Game, has been brought to the castle by English Heritage to mark the 450th anniversary of Elizabeth I's 19-day visit in 1575.

English Heritage said it explored the "personal and political power struggles of Elizabeth's rule" and her relationship with long-term suitor Robert Dudley, the owner of the castle.

The Queen appears as a lion in the display and Dudley as a bear, with the statues arranged around the Great Hall in the appearance of a game of chess.

Another character to make an appearance is Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth's mother.

She appears as a fox, kneeling before her executioner, who appears as a ferocious dog.

There are more than a dozen scenes, which English Heritage said "capture the nature of Elizabeth's reign, her 'battle of wits' and the complex political games she played to maintain her authority during her 45-year reign".

Ms Mendick said she had been working on the collection for about a year and that it had been "an exciting, challenging, and frightening journey".

She said women's histories were often written by men and were "simplified, sanctified and manipulated".

Her collection captured "a specific point of Elizabeth's 19-day visit, that moment when she felt trapped by the festivities".

"Something changed at a certain point during those 19 days," she said.

The collection will remain on display at the castle until 31 October.