The Jesuit parish of the Church of the Immaculate Conception was very happy to welcome the Prince of Wales for a visit on Tuesday 1st February.

Prince Charles came to the home church of the British Jesuits to view the Metamorphosis exhibition of icons which have been created by Dr Irina Bradley and her students.

Dr Bradley, who studied for her doctorate at The Prince’s School of Traditional Arts, said she and Prince Charles had discussed their shared interest in iconography when he attended the graduates’ exhibition in 2015.

The prince was able to view over 70 of the icons, which are created in the style of the art of Eastern Orthodox Christianity and are now displayed in Farm St Church and next door at the London Jesuit Centre.

Prince Charles was guided through the tour by Dr Bradley and Father Dominic Robinson, the parish priest of Farm St Church, and was also able to meet members of Dr Bradley's family and talk to several of her students, whose work has also been chosen for the exhibition.

Dr Bradley’s granddaughter Jamie, aged 4, who is already learning basic iconography skills such as how to gild, was also introduced to the royal visitor.

The highlight of the exhibition was the newly created icon of St Magnus, the patron saint of Orkney.

The Prince of Wales was presented with an icon of St Corona by Dr Bradley, to mark his recovery from Covid-19. The prince then spent time talking to members of the Farm St parish, including members of the homeless community who are supported by the parish, and the volunteers who help them, for example by providing weekly communal meals.

As he toured the church, which opened its doors in 1849, Prince Charles also chatted with members of the Society of Jesus and met Serbian Orthodox priest Fr Stefan Ponjarac.

Please note, this exhibition has now finished.

Photos by Ela Walenda