This southwest London station has been restored to its art deco glory

"The station has been given a major facelift, including new chandeliers, oak shopfronts and 1930s artwork South Western Railway (SWR) has just wrapped up a massive multi-year restoration of Richmond station, and the result is seriously impressive. One of London 's busiest suburban stops has been given a full makeover, with its elegant art deco details polished up and put back centre stage."

"First opened in 1937, Richmond station was designed by Southern Railway's chief architect James Robb Scott - the man also behind Waterloo's grand Victory Arch. Over the decades, the building's clean lines and Portland stone façade were dulled by grime, alterations and sheer commuter footfall. By the 2020s, much of its character had been hidden or weathered away. Starting in 2023, SWR and Network Rail teamed up with the Railway Heritage Trust, Richmond Council and a team of expert craftspeople to put things right."

"Inside, the transformation is even more striking. The once-tired ticket hall now gleams thanks to a meticulous revival of its original features. Later cladding was stripped away to reveal the 1930s timber frieze and distinctive green glass signage. Missing pieces were recreated by hand, while new chandeliers modelled on original art deco designs now hang from the ceiling. Look closely and you'll also spot restored oak shopfronts, retro poster frames, replica 'left luggage' signs and even a preserved WH Smith sign."

Richmond station underwent a major multi-year restoration beginning in 2023 led by South Western Railway and Network Rail alongside heritage partners and specialist craftspeople. The Portland stone façade was deep-cleaned, bronze lettering reinstated, mahogany and bronze doors polished, and flagpoles returned. Interior work removed later cladding to reveal the 1930s timber frieze and green glass signage, with missing elements hand‑recreated. New chandeliers modelled on original Art Deco designs were installed, and oak shopfronts, retro poster frames and replica signage were restored. The entrance canopy was rebuilt with handmade bronze fascia panels, retro rooflights and subtle LED lighting for nighttime display.

Read at Time Out London