600–608 Old Kent Road, London SE15 1JB
History of the Old Kent Road Mural
Museum & collection
Place photograph
4.2
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
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Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
4.2A three-panel ceramic mural turns the wall of a former civic centre into a vivid account of the Old Kent Road, from Roman Britain to modern south London.
This is a compact, unusual encounter with local history: Adam Kossowski’s intricate 1965 mural brings the stories associated with the Old Kent Road onto the street in glazed ceramic relief. It is a distinctive heritage stop, rather than a nature destination or a place for a long visit.
Atmospheric · Quirky
Find your way
Open map600–608 Old Kent Road, London SE15 1JB
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The experience
A brief, self-guided heritage stop centred on a listed ceramic mural. Its three panels depict episodes associated with the Old Kent Road; visitor access and present-day visibility need checking.
Things to do
Study the three mural panels
If the mural is visible, follow its three panels depicting the history of the Old Kent Road. Historic England describes it as a large ceramic mural by Adam Kossowski, completed in 1965.
Under 1 hour
Look for the mural’s smaller details
Look closely at the relief and the scenes within the panels. Look Up London describes details including the Roman scene, a medieval pilgrimage episode and a Camberwell Beauty butterfly.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Under 1 hour
Quick mural stop
- 01
Check in advance whether the mural is currently visible and accessible.
- 02
If it is, take time to look across all three panels and notice the historical scenes and ceramic relief.
Verified history
Adam Kossowski designed the ceramic mural in 1964; it was completed in 1965 for the former North Peckham Civic Centre. Historic England describes it as three panels depicting the history of the Old Kent Road and lists it at Grade II. The mural was first listed on 20 April 2017. Look Up London discusses scenes relating to Roman Britain, Chaucer’s pilgrimage towards Canterbury, Henry V, Jack Cade’s rebellion, Charles II and more recent south London life.
Hidden details
A butterfly in the ceramic scenes — Look Up London identifies a three-dimensional Camberwell Beauty butterfly in the mural and notes its association with a historical record in Brixton.
When to go
· Daylight, if the mural is visible.
This is an urban artwork rather than a seasonal landscape attraction. Visibility and access are the main uncertainties.
The mural is outdoors on a street-facing building; check conditions and access before setting out.
What to look for
Look for the mural’s three historical panels, its detailed ceramic relief, and the changing scenes that connect Roman, medieval and more recent history. The source article also identifies a depiction of the Camberwell Beauty butterfly.
The story
Archaeology, Literature, Royalty
Best time to go
Any season, subject to the mural being visible and accessible.
Daylight is likely to make the ceramic details easier to see. Check access and visibility before setting out.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
History lovers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
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Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The mural is mounted on the former North Peckham Civic Centre, now occupied by Everlasting Arms Ministries. Visitor access and whether the mural is currently visible should be checked before visiting; do not assume access to the building or its grounds. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.
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Parking
Parking availability is not verified. Check before visiting.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The source listing reports a wheelchair-accessible entrance, but this does not confirm access to the mural or its current viewing conditions. Check before visiting.
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Cost
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Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around History of the Old Kent Road Mural
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
