Culture Magazine

Past Perfect: Inside Middlesex Hospital Chapel

By Carolineld @carolineld
The last time I saw Middlesex Hospital Chapel, it was a sole survivor marooned in the wasteland of the demolished hospital. This Open House Weekend, I saw it again - now surrounded by the buildings of the new Fitzroy Place development. 
Past perfect: inside Middlesex Hospital Chapel
One of the consequences of that development is that the interior of the chapel has been restored - and it looks glorious. 
Past perfect: inside Middlesex Hospital Chapel
The chapel was designed by John Loughborough Pearson in 1891; after his death six years later, his son FL Pearson took over the work. The nave originally had a timber roof, but that too was replaced with mosaic in 1929-39.
Past perfect: inside Middlesex Hospital Chapel
The whole interior is a rich combination of marbles and mosaic, created by Italian craftspeople. 
Past perfect: inside Middlesex Hospital Chapel
Past perfect: inside Middlesex Hospital Chapel
The ante-chapel is lined with marble memorial tablets relating to the hospital, including this one to neurosurgeon Diana Beck, 'first medical woman on the consultant staff of this hospital'.
Past perfect: inside Middlesex Hospital Chapel
However, concerns over the chapel have not ended. Above all, what is it called? The developers listed it in the Open House guide as 'Fitzrovia Chapel'; their attempts to rename it have attracted much criticism. In response, they have left the original 'Middlesex Hospital' signage on its facade.
Past perfect: inside Middlesex Hospital Chapel
It was wonderful to see the chapel open after so many quiet years, and to know that much more public access is planned for the future. 
Past perfect: inside Middlesex Hospital Chapel
There are more photos on Flickr.

Back to Featured Articles on Logo Paperblog