Byzantine brilliance

This is a place tucked away in a corner of central London. It would be very easy to walk straight by and remain oblivious to its existence.

The Fitzrovia Chapel has just opened to the public for the first time since a major restoration. It was designed in 1891 and used to sit in the grounds of the Middlesex Hospital. While that complex closed and was demolished, the chapel remained intact and is now surrounded by the tall, angular structures of a contemporary redevelopment.

Resplendent in gold leaf, mosaic work and marble, this relatively small building is more of a nod to the opulence of the Byzantine Empire. Its soaring roof space is a thing of wonder. If you’re ever wandering around London, track it down and pay a visit. And don’t forget to bring your camera.

Click first image to view the gallery

Tags: architecture, Byzantine Empire, Fitzrovia, Fitzrovia Chapel, Fitzroy Place, gold leaf, heritage, history, London, marble, mosaic, Open House London, photography

23 thoughts on “Byzantine brilliance”

Sreejith Nair on November 1, 2015 at 18:08 said:

Absolutely stunning images… really liked the way you have composed them :)

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- mikeosbornphoto on November 1, 2015 at 18:11 said:
  
  Much appreciated, Sreejith. It’s a gem of a building :)
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply ↓
jdtphotography.co.uk on October 11, 2015 at 10:17 said:

Simply awesome! A gem of London and your stunning images giving us all so much pleasure.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- mikeosbornphoto on October 11, 2015 at 13:17 said:
  
  Thank you very much, James. It really is a little treasure and highly photogenic!
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply ↓
Martina on October 2, 2015 at 12:43 said:

Beautiful pictures! Thanks for sharing :)

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- mikeosbornphoto on October 3, 2015 at 08:46 said:
  
  Thank you Martina, I’m pleased you enjoyed them. A very sumptuous place!
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply ↓
  - Martina on October 5, 2015 at 09:56 said:
    
    My pleasure :)
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    
    Reply ↓
leecleland on September 27, 2015 at 22:40 said:

A bit of Byzantine brilliance in London, it’s magnificent! What a gem and great shots to show us, thanks Mike.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- mikeosbornphoto on September 27, 2015 at 22:42 said:
  
  Hello Lee and thank you very much. It’s quite a bobby dazzler, isn’t it? I imagine it will last for many decades before needing another lick of paint :)
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
ckponderings on September 27, 2015 at 20:04 said:

Wow, Mike! Nothing like a bit of religious splendour! :D Lovely photographs. :)

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- mikeosbornphoto on September 27, 2015 at 20:17 said:
  
  Cheers Richard. Yes, they really went to town on the restoration. It needs to mellow down a tad, I feel. Time will tell!
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply ↓
  - ckponderings on September 28, 2015 at 00:03 said:
    
    I’ll have to give it a look at some point! :)
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    
    Reply ↓
mvaden1948 on September 27, 2015 at 19:00 said:

Simply gorgeous!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- mikeosbornphoto on September 27, 2015 at 19:04 said:
  
  Thank you Misha. It’s quite a (deceptively small) building.
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Mark Simms on September 27, 2015 at 18:47 said:

Wow….great collection of images from a great place.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- mikeosbornphoto on September 27, 2015 at 18:52 said:
  
  Thanks very much, Mark. Yes, it really is something, a concentration of opulence. A pleasure to capture.
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
andy townend on September 27, 2015 at 10:18 said:

Wonderful detailing Mike, always wondered what this placed looked like inside…

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- mikeosbornphoto on September 27, 2015 at 10:20 said:
  
  Thanks Andy, it feels a bit too freshly-painted, but stunning all the same. I had no idea it was there…
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply ↓
  - andy townend on September 27, 2015 at 10:24 said:
    
    I know what you mean about the freshly painted thing…
    
    LikeLike
    
    Reply ↓
    - mikeosbornphoto on September 27, 2015 at 10:33 said:
      
      It needs to age up a fair bit.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
      
      Reply ↓
      - andy townend on September 27, 2015 at 11:33 said:
        
        Oh well, happens to all of us too…
        
        LikeLike
        
        Reply ↓
        
        mikeosbornphoto on September 27, 2015 at 11:40 said:
        
        Speak for yourself! :)
        
        LikeLiked by 1 person
        
        Reply ↓
        
        andy townend on September 27, 2015 at 12:25 said:
        
        ;-)
        
        LikeLike
        
        Reply ↓