A major new stone artwork celebrating the history of Mayfair has been unveiled at the £1billion One Carrington development in central London. It’s being billed as a levelling-up project for the district, which is already seen as one of the most luxurious and wealthiest in the city. That richness extends to the history of the area, which, as a long-established cultural and economic artery of the capital, is layered with stories old and new. Thanks to an artistic intervention, some of those rich tales are now captured in the very surface of the space for all to see.

The mixed-use scheme, developed by Motcomb Estates and designed by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, transforms a former car park site into a new destination combining residential apartments, offices, restaurants, galleries and retail space. The project also reopens historic pedestrian connections between Shepherd Market and Piccadilly, restoring public access through an area previously closed for centuries.

As part of the development, curator Zoë Allen of Artistic Statements commissioned a permanent public artwork intended to anchor the scheme within Mayfair’s historic context. Following an open call, London-based creative studio Acrylicize was selected to design a large stone-carved wall installation positioned at the main entrance.

The work is carved into Diano Reale stone sourced by AHMM from Sardinia, and was specified for its restrained veining and consistency, allowing detailed engraving while maintaining a refined architectural appearance. The carved façade forms part of the wider stone terraces and external envelope designed to integrate art directly into the building fabric rather than treat it as an applied feature.

Illustrations by Acrylicize designer Emma Wild were developed in an etched style referencing traditional stone carving techniques. Working with local historian Peter Berthoud, the design evolved from a simple historical timeline into a series of narrative vignettes depicting stories from Mayfair’s past - including lesser-known or forgotten moments. They include iconic landmarks such as the ancient Egyptian statue Sekhmet, which has stood guard over Bond Street since 1917, King Charles II’s alleged secret tunnels, and the wartime use of nearby Down Street Underground Station.

Accessibility formed part of the design brief, with braille elements incorporated into the stone surface and lower carvings, including animal and flower motifs, positioned to engage younger audiences. Lighting and placement were carefully considered to encourage pedestrians to pause within what the design team describes as a non-commercial civic space within a dense urban setting.

Marc Williams of Allford Hall Monaghan Morris said the installation works “harmoniously within the constrained site” while celebrating the reopening of a historic connection through Mayfair. But perhaps most refreshingly, while the development offers a new pedestrian connection between Shepherd Market and Piccadilly,  Acrylicize’s intervention provides “a moment of reflection and intrigue” for residents and visitors. A timely piece of placemaking formed in a characterful material suited to longevity. 

All Images © Mark Cocksedge