Saving Memorabilia From The Former Railway Pub

Revolution-Bars the new owners unable to assist as "extremely busy"

Local resident and former regular at The Railway pub is trying to save posters and artwork that hung on the walls. Philip Evison told PutneySW15: " The (Wetherspoons) Railway pub in Putney sadly closed on 10th September and is to become a ‘Revolution’ bar. The original Railway Hotel opened in 1857, 11 years after the South-Western Railway came to Putney, and was replaced by the present, handsome building in 1889".



He continued: " The pub had on its walls, on both floors, many interesting old photographs and prints, with explanatory text, highlighting significant people and events in Putney’s rich history, e.g. Edward Gibbon, Thomas Cromwell, the Putney Debates, the building of Putney’s two bridges, David McKee (author of the Mr Benn books) etc etc. It is to be hoped that the new proprietors will preserve, or even display, these valuable memorabilia, or will otherwise offer them to local bodies such as the Putney Library or the Putney Society".

When Mr Evison contacted the new owners Revolution-Bars asking for assistance in saving the posters as he was unable to get a response from the Property Manager the company spokesperson responded: "Unfortunately I wouldn’t be able to help you with any of your questions, I’m sorry that the property manager hasn’t been in touch, I’m sure you can appreciate he must be extremely busy. Good luck with your search".

Thamesfield Councillor Mike Ryder has agreed to try and save the images, he told this website that he will be contacting Revolution Bars on Monday (2 October) saying: "It would be good to save a reminder of Putney's history, as the Railway itself has been such an iconic sight at the corner of our high street since 1886, serving up pints through the Depression and two world wars. We should always remember that our past is what helps shape our future."

Judith Chegwidden, Chair of the Putney Society said: "Hope that Revolution Bars are willing to cooperate with the Putney Society to save these posters".

PutneySW15 has emailed the company to try and locate the images but the company have not responded.

October 1, 2017