For the past 300 years, Buckingham Palace has thrived and flourished under the masterful and creative contributions of countless architects, sculptors, painters and monarchs, each of whom has left an indelible mark on its evolution. In 2024, we take immense pride in commemorating the evolution of this illustrious establishment through a truly magnificent collaboration with artist Henry Gray and Royal Collection Trust.
What excited you most about working on this project?
How did you approach the initial design?
Were there aspects you knew that you wanted to include from the beginning?
“Buckingham Palace is overflowing with a wealth of detail, ornament and history. On this project, I felt my job was to provide a wealth of choice. I didn’t feel my role was as an ‘artist’ as I wasn’t presenting my creative vision. I felt more like a designer, using other creatives’ work and representing it in a way that could instil more profound interest in the viewer. So, I created as many options that included as many angles and aspects of the Palace as possible and left it up to the viewer to decide which one excited them the most.”
What were the main challenges you found during the design process?
“It’s the constant challenge of reducing the scale and distilling the subject; this time squeezing 108 metres of ornamental architecture onto a pocket-sized canvas, whilst still retaining instant recognition, was a fun challenge to overcome.”
How was the overall experience designing a coin for such an iconic British landmark?
“It’s definitely sparked an interest. There are so many architecturally exciting and historically interesting buildings that I would love to try and do another.”
What are your thoughts on the finished product?
I’m looking forward to the opportunity of seeing it for myself, it always surprises me the clarity of detail that is possible.
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT BUCKINGHAM PALACE
STEP INSIDE THE ICONIC LONDON RESIDENCE
Honouring a Royal ResidenceSTRUCK FOR A NEW ERA: THE NEW DEFINITIVE COIN DESIGNS
Coins of a Carolean EraTHE WORK AND INTERESTS OF HIS MAJESTY KING CHARLES III
Discover King Charles IIISIGNIFICANT MOMENTS FOR THE SOVEREIGN
The Chief Coin of the WorldThe Royal Collection Trust logo and name are trademarks of the Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2024