As part of the Platinum Jubilee, a London exhibit will celebrate the life and works of the artist that created The Queen’s modern image.
British sculptor Mary Gillick, who died in 1965, shot to fame in her 70s after creating the first portrait of Her Majesty to be issued on UK coinage following her Coronation in 1953.
The portrait, which was used on the coinage of many Commonwealth countries, was used up until decimalisation in 1971, however a new portrait had entered circulation by 1968.
From her training at the Royal College of Art to finding fame with the royal family, Gillick’s career will be honoured with a display of her work and personal artifacts at the British Museum in June.
Mary Gillick, a British sculptor rose to prominence in her 70s when she created the first portrait of Her Majesty on UK coins following her Coronation.
Although the portrait shown (photographed) was originally used for coinage in many Commonwealth countries up to 1971’s decimalization, it was replaced by a brand new portrait that was released into circulation in 1968.
Mary was born in 1898 in Nottingham and was educated at the Nottingham School of Art before attending the Royal College of Art for two years in 1902, where she studied under French-born sculptor Édouard Lantéri.
She met Ernest George Gillick, another sculptor, while studying. They married in 1905 and began a partnership based out of their Chelsea studio.
Mary first exhibited large bronze sculptures and medals at the Royal Academy of Art in 1911. This was where Mary continued her art display throughout her entire career.
Mary, then 71 years old, was the first to choose her design from 17 for general circulation coinage. Her unique portrayal of Her Majesty’s absence of a crown was noteworthy.
This exhibit, located at the Asahi Shimbun displays, will remain open through July 31st in celebration of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.
The sculptor worked on the portrait between March and October 1952 and in one session was closely supervised by the Duke of Edinburgh.
Cecil Thomas was the experienced medallist and remastered the coin. He had previously been rejected to make Mary’s portrait.
British commemorative stamps have featured a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II as a comeo since 1966. Original image still exists on Maundy money that the Queen gives out each Easter.
Mary was OBE for the 1953 Coronation Honours. The coin also included Mary. was used up until 1971, after a second portrait by Arnold Machin was introduced into circulation in 1968.
Mary Gillick in 1941 struck the bronze uniface gold medal. Right, John Cadman Bust, First Baron Cadman Silverdale. Right, A nude woman kneeling with an oil-lamp.
Gillick, 1945. Bronze medal. Left: Bust Charles Chree.
The exhibition in honour of Mary will feature items presented to the British Museum by the artist’s family in 2005 including medals created by Gillick from the 1910s to the 1950s.
It will include related punches, dies, plaster models, and a set large-scale plaster models depicting the Queen’s portrait.
The exhibit is located in Asahi Shimbun Shows and will be open until July 31st, as part of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations.
Various other celebrations including a spectacular pageant featuring street theatre and dance will be taking place throughout the extended Bank Holiday weekend to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this summer.
Organisers, including Pageant Master Adrian Evans said the event, with a budget of between £10 and £15 million and involving participants from across the UK and parts of the Commonwealth, is expected to be one of the biggest celebratory events held on home soil for decades.
The year will see the Queen, along with members of the royal families, travel across the country to celebrate the landmark, including the Platinum Jubilee Weekend.
Buckingham Palace announced that 2022 will have an extended vacation from Thursday, June 2, to Sunday, Juni 5, following the delay of Monday’s May 30 bank holiday.
On Thursday, Trooping The Colour will open the weekend. A service of thanksgiving to the Queen’s reign at St Paul’s Cathedral will take place on Saturday.
The Sunday pageant will consist of three acts. The first sees veterans and serving soldiers marching along The Mall to Buckingham Palace.
The Celebration act will be the second. It features a giant puppet dragon with wings that are twice as wide as The Mall.
A trapeze artist will be suspended under a giant balloon inscribed with the image of Queen Elizabeth II. Other participants include acrobats, acrobats, and others.
Artists will bring to life the specially written fairy tale There Once Was A Queen, by Sir Michael Morpurgo.
Each decade will be reflected in the pageant, which will feature corgis and horses to represent her passions.
Nicholas Coleridge, the co-chairman, stated that “The Platinum Jubilee Weekend is an opportunity to the country emerge reenergized and renewed, exuding optimism and confidence.
“It will be a sort of reopening ceremony of the United Kingdom after a period in uncertainty and hardship. It will also serve as a catalyst moment for unity and enjoyment.
“Through the combination of ceremonial, pageantry and razzmatazz/festival, we aim to create an spectacle that’s both energising as well as memorable. It’s a fitting tribute for the Queen.
Organisers stated that the pageant would be private funded through corporate partnerships, businesses, and individual sponsors.