Jean Cocteau Murals at Notre Dame de France

London has so many exciting secrets to reveal; some are easy to find and some seem more exciting as they take a little bit more effort. To arrive in this metropolis is like opening the door to one of the world’s most fascinating museums, a veritable cabinet of curiosities. Alleyways can lead to the most amazing discoveries and squares are the keepers of secrets. Even when you think you are in a relatively bland part of town, something jumps out at you. For example, most Londoners avoid walking through Leicester Square, a I forum filled with crowds and slow walkers. However, if you walk a few steps north of the square and into Leicester Place, you will come across a surprising but small post war church. Behind the rather plain doors of the Notre Dame de France, there is a hushed and darkened church with an amazing piece of public art.

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Jean Cocteau is one of the most famous artists of the Twentieth Century. He was better known as a writer, designer, playwright and filmmaker but he also created some beautiful pieces of art. In 1959, Jean visited London and in one week created a series of murals in Our Lady’s Chapel of Notre Dame de France. He was so famous that while the artist was at work, the authorities had to erect a screen to keep the hordes of public and media at bay who were trying to see what was being created. 

Nowadays, there are no throngs, in fact, you might find yourself the only person gazing at these impressive murals while a christening or a wedding is taking place. It feels slightly weird to think that out of the thousands that come to Leicester Square each day, only a handful of people make it here.
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The murals are delicate with simple lines and smudgings of muted colours. They are dedicated to the Virgin Mary and are divided into 3 panels: the Annunciation, the Crucifixion and the Assumption. If you look closely, you can see a self portrait included within the Crucifixion scene on the left side of
the altar. Safely placed behind glass, these murals are something to enjoy at your leisure. You should sit a while, contemplate life and enjoy the serenity of these amazing pieces before heading off to battle your way through the crowds a few metres away from the front door.