Westminster Abbey

William Walcot RE was a notable Scottish architect, graphic artist, and etcher, renowned for his influence on the elegant Art Nouveau style—referred to as Style Moderne—in Moscow, Russia. Known in Russia as Вильям Францевич Валькот, he made a lasting impact on the city's architectural environment in the early twentieth century.

Among Walcot’s most acclaimed works is the Lady’s Head keystone ornament, which quickly became a distinctive symbol of Russian Style Moderne architecture. This graceful design showcases his artistic sensibility and highlights the rise of Art Nouveau aesthetics within Russian design circles at the time.

Having gained prominence as an architect, Walcot turned his attention to graphic art throughout the 1920s and 1930s. In this era, he earned a reputation in London for his exquisitely detailed architectural drawings and etchings, which vividly depicted the majesty and creativity of urban scenery.

During his career, William Walcot received widespread acclaim, with specialists and peers describing him as “the best architectural draftsman” in London. His works are still recognized for their meticulous craftsmanship and their capacity to capture the essence of Russian and British architecture from a dynamic period in art and design history.