Mural Designed by Locals Unveiled at South Acton Station
Commemorates local history and links with the NHS and Only Fools and Horses
The official unveiling of the mural
June 25, 2026
A new mural has been unveiled at the South Acton London Overground station, bringing together local stories, neighbourhood landmarks and the legacy of Mildmay Hospital.
The artwork, installed at the station entrance, was created entirely by South Acton residents through a series of workshops led by local artist Maud Milton and her team at Artyface. Every tile and illustration in the mosaic was designed and made by members of the community, reflecting the area’s past and present.
The mural includes references to the NHS, Mildmay Hospital, Soapsud Island and the filming of Only Fools and Horses, drawing on memories and contributions gathered from residents of all ages. It forms part of a wider partnership between First Rail London, housebuilder Vistry and Artyface, funded through social value and community investment commitments.
South Acton station on the border of Acton and Chiswick sits on the Mildmay line, named in 2024 in honour of Mildmay Hospital’s pioneering work during the HIV/AIDS crisis and its long-standing support for LGBTQIA+ communities. The new artwork pays tribute to that history while also capturing the everyday experiences that have shaped the neighbourhood.
Faber Swaine, sustainability and impact manager at First Rail London, said the project was rooted in local ownership. He described the mural as something “literally created by the people of South Acton,” with each image contributed by a resident. He added that the partnership with Artyface and Vistry helped reach a wide range of participants, strengthening the connection between the station and the community it serves.
Artist Maud Milton said the project was designed to give residents a sense of shared ownership over public space. She said the mural places people’s stories at its centre, turning individual memories into a collective artwork.
Geoff Coleman, chief executive of Mildmay Hospital, said the naming of the line and the new mural had been deeply meaningful for staff past and present. He said the artwork helped highlight the importance of supporting health workers and the enduring public affection for the NHS.
The mural now forms a permanent feature at South Acton station, offering a visual record of the area’s heritage and a reminder of the community’s role in shaping the Mildmay line’s identity.
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