Urgent appeal to help save historic transport mosiac
Published: 26/11/2023
Funds are urgently being sought to save what is believed to be one of the largest surviving commercial mosaic signs.
In the last few months the condition of the historic transport sign on Merton Road, south-west London has deteriorated dramatically. It is in danger of disintegration, and could be lost for ever unless urgent repairs are conducted.
The Southfields Grid Residents Association (SGRA) has joined forces with the Heritage of London Trust (HOLT) a century-old charity who rescue and restore historic monuments and buildings.
"We believe the mosaic is of historical importance worthy of preservation and have been raising funds to start the remedial work. Around £19,000 has been raised already and a specialist restoration company retained. There is however a shortfall which needs addressing urgently," says SGRA Chair, Charles Runcie.
The mosaic has missing tesserae, a part blown glazed brick frame and cracks throughout, and has previously been part repaired with cement. The project will include cleaning, removal of cement, grouting cracks, anchoring the mosaic to wall, replacing missing tesserae the blown moulded glazed brick frame. It is possible that on close inspection of the roof and the back of the parapet brick wall, structural and waterproofing repairs will be needed.
The sign relates to transport company United Service Transport Co, Ltd, started in 1919 by commercial transport pioneer Walter Flexman French.
The company hired commercial vehicles on contract hire as well as running charabancs and coaches. During the 1920s and 1930s they were also known as 'United Green' or 'United London'. One of the company’s founding principles was to help ex-servicemen from the First World War get back into employment.
Three of the main UST buildings were identifiable by prominent green and gold mosaic signs reading 'United Service Transport Co Ltd'. The last survivor is in Southfields behind the Shell garage on Merton Road near Riversdale School and Coronation Gardens.
The sign in 2015, before the current damage occurred
It is believed to be one of the largest commercial mosaic signs still extant, and in situ for at least 90 years. The prestige car company Jack Barclay-HR Owen now occupies the large building on which the mosaic is sited.
The restoration project will include education opportunities for local schools, which are yards from the site. Also young people will benefit through HOLT’s ‘Proud Places’ programme which enables them to learn the history and significance of the site and study the conservation skills used in the restoration.
Donations can be made to HOLT by contacting their projects advisor Victoria Oakley at Projects@heritageoflondon.org or 020 7099 0559
Find out more about the Heritage of London Trust here www.heritageoflondon.org
Information about the old company and photographs of the damaged mosaic can be found at www.heritageoflondon.org/projects/united-transport-mosaic
