SWR’s Richmond Station Restoration: 1937 Revival

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Introduction

South Western Railway (SWR) has completed a multi-year project to restore Richmond station, originally opened in 1937, with the final elements unveiled in mid-September 2025. The project, which began in late 2023, involved extensive work on both the exterior and interior of the station.

Exterior Restoration

The first phase of the project focused on the station’s exterior. This included renewing the façade and deep cleaning the Portland stone. The bronze and mahogany entrance doors were repaired and polished, and the high-level station sign, featuring bronze lettering, was reinstalled. New flagpoles, displaying the National Rail Double Arrow, were placed in their original positions. Period-appropriate paint colors, identified through specialist analysis, were used to further enhance the building’s appearance.

Entrance Canopy and Interior Work

In late 2024, the second stage commenced, concentrating on the entrance canopy and the internal ticket hall. Bronze fascia panels, handmade to the original designs, replaced later cladding. New rooflights recreated the 1930s “Glasscrete” effect. Inside the ticket hall, removal of cladding revealed the original timber frieze and green glass signage, which were then restored. Missing sections were replaced, and the woodwork was polished.

Interior Enhancements

To complete the restoration, SWR installed chandelier features inspired by the original Art Deco light fittings. New oak shopfronts were added for retail units, along with retro poster frames featuring licensed 1930s artwork. Perimeter LEDs now provide downlighting for the booking hall. A combination of original and replica green glass signs, for directions and information, were brought back, and an original WH Smith sign was preserved.

Project Completion and Final Details

The final elements of the project were unveiled in mid-September 2025. These included one of the original metal signs previously displayed outside the station, now located in the booking hall, on loan from the London Transport Museum.

Conclusion

The restoration of Richmond station, which began in late 2023, has been completed, with the final elements unveiled in mid-September 2025. The project involved restoring the exterior, entrance canopy, and interior of the station to its original 1937 appearance.

Company Summary

South Western Railway (SWR): SWR partnered with Network Rail, the Railway Heritage Trust, and the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames to restore Richmond station.

London Transport Museum: The museum loaned an original metal sign to be displayed in the booking hall.

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