Fellow of the Royal Society of Sculptors • Royal Mint Portrait Designer
Martin Jennings
The British sculptor who shaped the face of a new reign—creator of the King Charles III coinage portrait that now appears on billions of coins across the United Kingdom and Commonwealth.
Explore His WorkFrom Oxford to the Royal Mint
An English scholar who became one of Britain’s foremost figurative sculptors
Martin Jennings (born 31 July 1957) is a British sculptor who works in the figurative tradition, in bronze and stone. Born in Arundel, West Sussex, his path to sculpture was unconventional—he earned an honours degree in English Literature and Language at the University of Oxford in 1979 before studying lettering at the City & Guilds of London Art School and apprenticing under Richard Kindersley for architectural lettering.
Now based in the Cotswolds, Jennings has become one of Britain’s most celebrated sculptors, with major public works installed at the nation’s most prominent locations. His statue of John Betjeman greets travellers at St Pancras station. His George Orwell stands outside BBC Broadcasting House. His Mary Seacole—one of his largest works—looks out over the Thames from St Thomas’ Hospital.
In September 2022, the Royal Mint unveiled Jennings’ most significant commission: the official coinage portrait of King Charles III. His effigy now appears on every British coin in circulation—and, in a rare distinction, was also adapted for Royal Mail stamps. It is the first time since the 1940s that the same portrait has appeared on both coins and stamps.
The King’s Portrait
The face of a new era in British coinage
On 30 September 2022, the Royal Mint unveiled Jennings’ effigy of King Charles III—the first new monarch’s portrait on British coins since Queen Elizabeth II’s in 1952. Following centuries of tradition, the King faces left, the opposite direction to his predecessor. Jennings’ initials “MJ” appear discreetly under the monarch’s neck on every coin. A crowned version of the same portrait was created for a special edition at the time of the coronation in May 2023. The portrait was also “digitally re-lit” for use on Royal Mail stamps—the first time since George VI and the Humphrey Paget portrait in the 1940s that an unmodified effigy has featured on both British coins and stamps. Jennings’ work now appears on billions of coins in circulation across the United Kingdom and Commonwealth nations.Career Highlights
From lettering apprentice to the sculptor of a king
1979
Oxford & Lettering
Graduates from the University of Oxford with an honours degree in English Literature, then studies lettering at the City & Guilds of London Art School and apprentices under Richard Kindersley.2007
John Betjeman
His statue of the beloved poet laureate is unveiled at the newly restored St Pancras International station in London—one of the most visited public sculptures in Britain.2010
Philip Larkin
A bronze statue of the poet is presented at Hull Paragon Interchange station, capturing Larkin in mid-stride as though rushing for a train.2014
McIndoe & Dickens
Two major works unveiled: the Archibald McIndoe memorial in East Grinstead—with a deeply personal connection, as Jennings’ own father was treated by McIndoe during WWII—and a bronze of Charles Dickens in Portsmouth.2016
Women of Steel & Mary Seacole
Two landmark statues unveiled: Women of Steel in Sheffield, honouring wartime munitions workers, and Mary Seacole at St Thomas’ Hospital—both installed as the nation debated the representation of women in public monuments.2017
George Orwell & Back-to-Back Marsh Awards
His statue of Orwell is unveiled outside BBC Broadcasting House. He becomes the first sculptor to win the Marsh Award for Excellence in Public Sculpture in consecutive years (2017 for Women of Steel, 2018 for Orwell).2022
The King’s Coinage Portrait
The Royal Mint unveils Jennings’ effigy of King Charles III—the first new monarch on British coins since 1952. His portrait appears on billions of coins and, in a rare honour, on Royal Mail stamps as well.2025
Queen Elizabeth II Memorial & Jane Austen
Selected to create the statue of Queen Elizabeth II for the memorial in St James’s Park, London—one of the most significant commissions in contemporary British sculpture. His Jane Austen statue is also unveiled near Winchester Cathedral.Notable Works
From station platforms to cathedral grounds, palace walls to pocket change
King Charles III Coinage
The official effigy of King Charles III for the Royal Mint, appearing on all British coins since 2022. A crowned version was created for the coronation. Also adapted for Royal Mail stamps.Literary Figures
John Betjeman at St Pancras (2007), Philip Larkin at Hull (2010), Charles Dickens in Portsmouth (2014), George Orwell at BBC Broadcasting House (2017), John Keats in Moorgate (2024), and Jane Austen near Winchester Cathedral (2025).National Heroines
Women of Steel in Sheffield (2016) honouring wartime munitions workers, and Mary Seacole at St Thomas’ Hospital (2016)—two landmark monuments installed during the national conversation about women in public art.National Portrait Gallery
Three portrait sculptures in the National Portrait Gallery: Edward Heath, Philip Pullman, and Lord Bingham. A bust of Sir Edward Heath stands outside the House of Commons.Royal Portraits
Portrait bust of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in the crypt of St Paul’s Cathedral. Commissioned to create the Queen Elizabeth II memorial statue in St James’s Park (2025).Awards & Distinctions
Fellow of the Royal Society of Sculptors. First artist to win the Marsh Award for Excellence in Public Sculpture in consecutive years (2017, 2018). Works in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford.“Jennings’ work treads that fine line between likeness and caricature—capturing not just the appearance but the essential character of his subjects.”— Country Life
Jennings-Signed Coins at Elite Coin Group
Each coin carries Martin Jennings’ hand-signed NGC certification label—connecting the collector to the sculptor behind the King’s portrait
2024 Lion & Eagle 4-Coin Set
Martin Jennings Signed • Only 40 Sets
Ultra-exclusive silver proof set featuring the British lion and American eagle reverse by John Mercanti, with Jennings’ King Charles III obverse. Four coins (1oz, 1/2oz, 1/4oz, 1/10oz) in .999 fine silver, NGC certified with Jennings-signed label.
2025 Britannia NGC PF-70
Martin Jennings Signed • Ultra Cameo
The iconic Britannia design graded NGC PF-70 Ultra Cameo—the highest possible grade. Advance Release with only 4,500 struck worldwide. Features Jennings’ authentic signature on the NGC certification label.
An Unconventional Path
From English literature to world-class sculpture
University of Oxford
Honours degree in English Literature and Language (1979). Jennings’ literary background gives his sculptures of writers and poets an unusually deep understanding of their subjects.City & Guilds of London Art School
Studied lettering (1979–1980), then apprenticed under Richard Kindersley for three years in architectural lettering—training that sharpened his eye for form, proportion, and detail.Fellow, Royal Society of Sculptors
Elected a Fellow (FRSS) of the Royal Society of Sculptors, the UK’s leading organisation for sculpture, in recognition of his distinguished contribution to the art form.Frequently Asked Questions
About Martin Jennings and his signed coins