Chelsea Architects Honour Grenfell Couple with the Gloria and Marco Award

A Kensington & Chelsea architecture practice has ensured the legacy of two young colleagues lives on through the Gloria and Marco Award, a scholarship created in memory of the couple who died in the Grenfell Tower fire. The initiative, set up by Peregrine Bryant Architects, supports Italian architecture graduates hoping to develop skills in conservation by working in the UK.

Gloria Trevisan, 26, had joined the firm only weeks before the fire. She had moved from Italy with her boyfriend and fellow architect Marco Gottardi, and was already contributing to one of Chelsea’s most significant restoration projects at the Royal Hospital. She and Marco lived on the top floor of Grenfell Tower and were among the 72 people who lost their lives.

Peregrine Bryant, who hired Gloria after being “extremely impressed” by her portfolio, said she had shown “remarkable promise” from the outset. “We generally agreed it was one of the best portfolios we had ever received,” he said. Gloria was brought straight into the refurbishment of the Soane Stable Yard, part of the historic Royal Hospital Chelsea.

Colleague Laura Mourgante remembered visiting the site with her on what would be one of Gloria’s final days. “She told me, ‘I have a beautiful flat, I have beautiful views of London, I’m so blessed’,” Laura said. “She was working with great energy, missing her family, but so happy to be here and doing conservation.”

Gloria worked late at the office that night, completing drawings for the project. She never returned the next morning. “She was only with us for a very short time,” said Bryant. “But we treasure memories of her.”

In the months after the fire, the practice created the Gloria and Marco Award to honour the couple and advance the specialism they both loved. The scheme offers Italian graduates two to three months’ experience in the UK, working on conservation projects with organisations including the National Trust, Historic England and the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.

The firm has focused the award on the exchange of ideas and the shared heritage between Italy and Britain. “Gloria brought her ideas to us and so did Marco,” said Bryant. “We are now continuing that process.”

Graduates who take part often come from the same university the couple attended, the International University of Architecture in Venice. One tutor, Prof Sara Di Resta, said the award allows their ambitions to live on. “It is important not to recall only the tragedy,” she said. “This is a piece of their dream living in other young people.”

Andrea Bruffato, a close friend of the couple and a trustee of the scheme, said its strength lies in how it “shifts the focus from how they died to how they lived”.

The Royal Hospital Chelsea project, first conceived by Sir Christopher Wren and later expanded by Sir John Soane, opened to the public last year with a café, shop and small museum telling the story of the Chelsea Pensioners. Bryant said it was “important to remember” that Gloria was there at the beginning of its revival.

Resources for young architects considering conservation work can be found through this underlined advisory link, which provides career guidance for those entering the heritage sector.

When shown photographs of the completed project, Gloria’s mother, Emanuela Disaro, said she felt “incredible pride” that her daughter had contributed to a scheme of such historical value. Her father, Loris Trevisan, added that he was “really impressed” to see the project brought to fruition. Marco’s father, Giannino Gottardi, said the finished work “brings Gloria to life”.

A spokesperson for the Royal Hospital Chelsea said her involvement “is something the Royal Hospital really values” and added that their thoughts “remain with her family and friends”.

For more features exploring the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea history and cultural heritage, follow EyeOnLondon Kensington & Chelsea for insightful storytelling you can trust.

[Image Credit | BBC/Family Handout]

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