Mural telling story of Old Kent Road in London wins national protection status

A huge outdoor mural telling the story of one of London's most famous roads has been saved following intervention by a conservation organisation.

The mural, which wraps around a former civic center in Peckham graphically charts the history of the Old Kent Road, from Roman times to the 20th century.

It was destined to disappear as part of a redevelopment scheme, but has now been saved by the Twentieth Century Society.

The society campaigned for the mural spanning 93 square meters, to be given official protection to spare it for the nation.

Historic England has now decided that the art work will granted official status as a Grade 2 listed item, securing its future.

The frieze of five panels comprises 2,000 individually cast colored pieces of ceramic. It told the history of the Old Kent Road. The final panel combines Victorian and mid 20th century scenes to depict the area's recent make-up.

C20 society director Catherine Croft and Pinto are now working with the developers to ensure the successful relocation of the mural in the local area.

Pinto told Xinhua: "This is a stunning piece of work which was threatened by the redevelopment plans. We are working with a ceramic conserver and looking at carefully removing the mural panels to give them a new home in a local park in Peckham." Endit