First Rail London has unveiled a new community mural at South Acton station, saying it celebrates the rich history, identity and spirit of one of West London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.

Located on the Mildmay line, South Acton sits at the heart of a community that has undergone significant change over recent decades. Once known for its large post-war housing estate and strong working-class identity, the area has long been home to generations of families, community organisations and local landmarks that have contributed to the character of Acton and the wider borough of Ealing. The new mural reflects these stories through artwork created by residents.

Led by First Rail London and developed through a series of workshops delivered by artist Maud Milton and her team at Artyface, every element of the mural was designed and made by members of the community. The finished artwork celebrates local heritage, including references to the Mildmay Hospital, the NHS and even Soapsud Island, and the filming of Only Fools and Horses, creating a visual record of the people, places and experiences that continue to shape South Acton today.

How the mural came together

The project was made possible through a partnership between First Rail London, housebuilding company Vistry and Artyface, with joint funding drawn from social value and community investment commitments.

Over several weeks, Maud Milton, artist at Artyface, ran a programme of creative workshops, inviting South Acton residents of all ages to contribute original illustrations, patterns and memories. Each piece created by a resident was incorporated into the final mural, which now covers a prominent wall at the station entrance.

Working with local stakeholders and community groups, the partnership sought to deepen the connection between South Acton residents and their station, recognising that a railway is at its best when it is truly embedded in the life of the communities it serves.

Faber Swaine, sustainability and impact manager at FRL, said: “This mural belongs to the people of South Acton. That’s not a phrase we use lightly, it’s the literal truth. Every image in this artwork was contributed by a local resident, which means the community has created something for themselves and for every customer who will walk past it for years to come.

“Our partnership with Maud Milton and Vistry made it possible to reach people we might not otherwise have engaged, and that broad participation is what gives this project its real meaning. The Mildmay line stands for partnership and community collaboration, and this mural is a perfect expression of that spirit. At First Rail London, we’re proud to invest in projects that create lasting social value, and this one does exactly that.”

Maud Milton, local artist at Artyface, said: “The South Acton mosaic is really about the whole community; people get to own public spaces and become stakeholders in them. It becomes a celebration when they make a tile for it. At the heart of this project is putting people’s history and their stories into the piece. Although I’m the artist, I wouldn’t say it’s just mine because everyone in the community has contributed to its creation.”

Geoff Coleman, CEO at Mildmay hospital, said: “When we first heard about the line being named after the hospital, we couldn’t believe it. It gives all the staff working here, and those who have worked here in the past, a real sense of appreciation for what they’ve done. They feel remembered and honoured. It’s mind‑blowing.

“The new mural spreads the message about communities supporting health workers who are doing such difficult and challenging jobs. We’re very fortunate in this country that people love the NHS, and when they get behind it, it really matters. It also helps the staff feel loved and appreciated.”

History on the Mildmay line

The Mildmay Line was named in 2024 in honour of Mildmay Hospital, recognising its pioneering care for people living with HIV/AIDS in the 1980s and the 1990s, its ongoing support for LGBTQIA+ communities, and its service to East London for over 160 years.

Mildmay Hospital is a small but vital charitable organisation that has long supported Londoners in need, working in partnership with the NHS in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

This mural project celebrates the newly named Mildmay Line, paying tribute to Mildmay Hospital, Europe’s first AIDS hospice, which became a beacon of compassion, care, and medical innovation during a time of great uncertainty.