Architectural Details

The apsidal ceiling painting of Christ in Glory is by John Crompton. The central mosaic above the altar depicts the Crucifixion. The ceiling is said to be one of the most beautiful plaster ceilings in any parish church in the UK, and has been described as ‘God’s Drawing Room’.

The Apse frescoes of Christ in Majesty with angel choir and seated saints by John Crompton are still extant but the Nave frescoes (no longer visible) by Edward Armitage RA were painted over after the Second World War when the war damage to the church was repaired. 

Contemporary artist Sophie Hacker was recently commissioned to create a piece of art to replace the worn-out painting in the lunette. Titled, ‘a Sea of Glass like unto Crystal’, the work was installed on 4th March 2024. Hacker was inspired by the theology of the apse. The piece is the only artwork in the church created by a woman and will be surrounded by the male-dominated apse painting by Crompton. Crompton’s painting only features men: male cherubs, angels, and religious figures. Thus, this commission is an incredible example of female representation in both art history and the Church of England. Both Hacker and her artwork will have a significant legacy at St Marylebone, and this marks a turning point in the Church’s rich visual history.  

As part of St Marylebone’s lecture series, Hacker gave a talk about the commission, the creation process, her inspirations, and the installation. You can view this on our YouTube Channel here.

See the new work now at St Marylebone Parish Church.