A new mural has today (Friday, 4 September) been unveiled at Kingston Station, celebrating the rich heritage of Kingston, its unique place in England's history, and Railway 200, the 200th anniversary of the railway.

The large-scale artwork was commissioned by South Western Railway (SWR) and Network Rail Wessex (NR Wessex).

It has been installed on Platform 1 and was created by Kingston artists Skyhigh and Roo in partnership with The Community Brain, one of SWR and NR Wessex's dozen community rail partnerships.

The mural is one of SWR and NR Wessex's many legacy projects for Railway 200, a permanent enhancement for Kingston Station, which sees over four million entries and exits per year.

It is the latest addition to the station, following the recent opening of a new Sainsbury's.

The artwork uses colours that reflect the town's natural environment as well as its urban landscape and long railway story.

It depicts a Victorian era steam train alongside one of SWR and NR Wessex's new Arterio trains. It also displays a ticket from 1863, the year the station opened, and a reference to the electrification of the Kingston Loop in 1916.

The mural also recognises Kingston's unique place in England's history. Athelstan, the first King of England, was crowned in Kingston 1,101 years ago today on 4 September 925. Six other early English kings were also consecrated in the town.

One year ago, on 4 September 2025, SWR and NR Wessex partnered with historian and The Rest is History co-host Tom Holland to celebrate the 1100th anniversary of Athelstan's coronation by naming a train 'King Athelstan' on the same platform as the mural.

The mural was unveiled by Cllr Thay Thayalan, the Mayor of Kingston; Cllr Andreas Kirsch, the leader of Kingston Council and portfolio holder for heritage and culture; and Cllr Nicola Nardelli, the deputy leader and portfolio holder for sustainable transport and waste and recycling.

Also in attendance was Noel Hadjimichael, the Mayor's predecessor. Mr Hadjimichael represented the borough during the visit of the Railway 200 train Inspiration to Kingston station in February 2026 and the naming of the King Athelstan train.

Cllr Thay Thayalan, Mayor of Kingston, said: "This mural is a wonderful celebration of Kingston's proud history and its place within the story of England.

"It brings together our royal heritage, our vibrant local community and the railway that continues to connect people and places every day.

"I am delighted to see this impressive piece of public art unveiled and know it will be enjoyed by residents, visitors and rail travellers for years to come."

Chris Ellis, South Western Railway and Network Rail Wessex's Regional Manager (Metro), added: "The new mural transforms Platform 1 with a vibrant celebration of Kingston's heritage, King Athelstan and Railway 200.

"Delivered in partnership with The Community Brain and artists Skyhigh & Roo, it creates a lasting legacy for customers and the wider community, while helping make Kingston station an even more welcoming and attractive place to visit."

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