Fetter Lane, London - May 2026

Artists in residence at Moravian Close

Chelsea is renowned as a magnet for artists of all categories and Moravian Close has been and still is a part of that scene. Ernest and Mary Gillick, two prominent 20th century sculptors, made Moravian Close their home and workplace from 1914 until 1965 when Mary died, (Ernest, her husband, died in 1951). In 1952 Mary Gillick famously won the competition for the design of the late Queen’s effigy on our coinage, with the first coins issued in 1953 to coincide with the coronation. Her husband Ernest is known for his large public art including the Glasgow Cenotaph lions. And much of their work was produced at Moravian Close, in a room which is now well used by local community groups.

Historian and friend of the Moravian congregation, Ian Foster, arranged for a brass plaque to be fashioned, commemorating the Gillicks. The plaque was donated by the Royal Mint, and the lead designer was Lee R. Jones. At the end of March, the Fetter Lane Heritage and Ecology working group organised an event to unveil the plaque, mounted on the wall where the sculptors worked. We were especially delighted to welcome two great nieces of the Gillicks, Catherine Smith and Julie Stacey who did the honours of pulling the curtain aside. As well as a brief history delivered by Ian, we heard from Philip Attwood, former keeper of coins and medals at the British Museum. The Gillicks also worked on a number of medals commemorating national events.

The event attracted around 40 people, some with connections to the Gillicks and others simply interested in the varied history of this inspiring and amazing space.

Sr Cynthia Dize