St Augustine’s church, Hammersmith

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St Augustine’s church, Hammersmith

The following photo essay documents the inscriptions designed by John Morgan studio for The Order of St Augustine’s church in Hammersmith, London. This is first application of our typeface Persona. The typeface, based on Hans Möhring’s Florida, is inspired by Florentine Renaissance models, such as the lettering found in the Basilica di Santa Croce. Inscriptional text is set in a new cast iron light ring suspended above the altar, gilded across the apse wall and below the Stations of the Cross. The award winning restoration and refurbishment project by Roz Barr Architects emphasises the unity of art and architecture. Read more about the project at The Architect’s Journal here.

The inscription on the apse wall reads: Qui vult vivere, habet ubi vivat, habet unde vivat. Accedat, credat ut incorporetur, ut vivificetur (Those who long for life have here its very source. Let them come here and believe, unite with You and live).

Setting out the lettering for the apse wall
Right to left: pencil outline, painted and gilded letters
Phil Surey applies gold leaves onto the painted letters
Final touches
The finished apse wall lettering
Phil Surey painting the Stations of the Cross
Casting the ring at the foundry
The finished cast iron ring installed above the altar
Solemn Mass of Dedication of the new altar designed by Julian Stair, February 2018. Photography Ian Stuart
The relics of martyrs Saints Secundus and Constance before being placed within the altar. Photography Ian Stuart