Fred Millett Mural

Fred Millett (1920–1980) was a muralist and poster artist who exhibited at the Festival of Britain and was commissioned by London Transport, National Westminster Bank, University of York and the General Post Office. He also taught Perception and Communication at the Polytechnic of Central London. This mural (1956/7) is the first known commission of the LCC’s post war Patronage of the Arts Scheme. A mural had been requested by the tenants of the new Alton Estate in Roehampton, and Millett was commissioned to paint on the upper part of the clubroom wall of the Alton Community Hall.

The mural depicts an abstract parkland landscape, with water, trees, horses, deer and dogs and people cycling, riding horses and boating and children playing. Architectural elements reference the past grandeur of the Roehampton estates, aristocratic summer residences away from the bustling city. The design has varying perspectives and is painted on a plaster skim.