Visit to Mortlake Crematorium

Date/Time
Date(s) - Saturday 8 July 2017
2:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Location
Mortlake Crematorium

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Mortlake Crematorium

Opened in 1939, this was the first jointly run municipal crematorium and today serves Richmond upon Thames, Hammersmith & Fulham, Hounslow and Ealing.

Richmond Council has called this Grade II listed building “a rare example” of Art Deco design in the borough and “a building of exceptional quality and character”. Colin Hines describes it as “probably the most undiscovered deco treasure in London”. Notable cremations include Lady Thatcher – we will hear of more when we visit the crematorium on Saturday 8 July.

Last year Brian Parsons gave a fully illustrated and very well received talk on the crematorium’s history as part of Open House weekend. He has kindly agreed to repeat this for us, with permission of Natasha Bradshaw, the Superintendent. This will be a unique opportunity to hear the story of this interesting building in situ. We will meet in the chapel at 2.30pm to hear Brian’s talk, and this will be followed by tea and cakes arranged by Natasha.

Getting there: By bus: R68 from Richmond. By car: via Townmead Road, turn off the A205; on-site parking. Nearest stations: Mortlake (South West Trains); Kew Gardens (Underground/  Overground)

To reserve a place, contact our Secretary, Liz Velluet. The cost is £5 (cheques payable to Richmond Local History Society). You can pay by cash on the day, but you must book in advance.