Great Ormond Street Hospital Chapel In Central Block

The Great Ormond Street Hospital Chapel, located in the central block, is a hospital chapel built between 1871 and 1876 by architect E.M. Barry. This small rectangular chapel features an apsidal east end and was relocated to its current site in 1992.

The interior is designed in an elaborate Franco-Italianate style. The main entrance at the west end has black ebonised doors adorned with decorative brass hinges and handles. Inside, the chapel is divided by four columns made of polished red Devonshire marble, each topped with richly carved and gilded capitals that depict flora, fauna, and mythical beasts, resting on alabaster bases with green marble pedestals. The central dome is painted with musician angels around the rim and features a pelican in piety at the center.

The apse windows are set in pointed arch recesses and contain stained glass by Clayton and Bell, illustrating scenes from the childhood of Christ. The richly decorated apse ceiling showcases angels representing Faith, Truth, Patience, Purity, Obedience, Charity, Honour, and Hope against a gold background, with a central roundel depicting the Lamb and flag. The chancel arch is embellished with strapwork and dog tooth enrichment. The walls are faced with alabaster and marble, and murals on the north, south, and west walls depict themes such as "Suffer little children to come unto me" and "feed my lambs + feed my sheep," along with images of St. Peter and St. Paul.

The altar rails are made of alabaster and marble, with each panel featuring a brass rose, and the central gates are elaborately modelled in solid brass with crystal knobs. The floor includes Cosmati work, and the chapel is furnished with fine contemporary fittings, including black ebonised pews, pendant lamps, a lectern, and an organ set in a recessed wall cavity.