Mary Gillick: sculptor and medalist

A fascinating study on the life and work of Mary Gillick (1881-1965) in honour of Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.

Published by Spink in association with the British Museum, this book celebrates Gillick, best known for her portrait of Queen Elizabeth II that appeared on UK coins from 1953 until decimalisation. The book coincides with an exhibition at the British Museum for the 2022 Platinum Jubilee commemorating 70 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, curated by Philip Attwood, formerly Keeper of Coins and Medals at the Museum.

Objects featured include items presented to the British Museum by the artist’s family in 2005, including a set of large-scale plaster models of Gillick’s portrait of the Queen. By the time of her sudden burst of national fame, Gillick had already enjoyed a successful career as a sculptor and medalist for more than fifty years. Specialising in medallic portraits and commemorative memorials, she created works that ranged from tributes for First World War heroes and awards for learned societies, to large memorials to public figures such as the singer Kathleen Ferrier.