The restoration of two nearly 130-year-old railway maps at Victoria station highlights the historical significance of the London Brighton & South Coast Railway. Originally created in 1899, these hand-painted maps depict past railway networks and stations while showcasing elaborate architectural details. Funded by Network Rail and the Railway Heritage Trust, the project involved cleaning and repairing the maps and their surrounding faience settings. Renowned architect Benedict O'Looney emphasized the architectural competition of the Edwardian era and the craftsmanship that went into these impressive historical pieces that remain integral to the station's heritage.
The shimmering, ceramic-clad, entrance of the London Brighton and South Coast Railway matched the ambitious, Baroque revival South Eastern Railway side, with its heroic-scaled figurative sculpture.
These maps shine a spotlight on rival railway companies, The London, Brighton & South Coast Railway and South Eastern Railway, deploying sophisticated Edwardian architecture, craftsmanship, and materials, to show the public their quality.
As part of the restoration, the maps were cleaned by specialists, Restore London. Their damaged architectural setting was repaired, with broken tiles and surrounding stonework matched in colour and detail.
These walls also show the Edwardian railway's energetic use of architectural ceramics creating elaborate, historically significant works reflecting the period's craftsmanship.
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