London Underground Stations

London’s Underground stations are among the capital’s most recognisable historic buildings, and their glazed faience façades are a defining part of that character. The oxblood red faience stations of the early Tube are designed by Leslie Green, who was appointed architect to the Underground Electric Railways Company in 1903 and designed around 40 stations in a distinctive Edwardian Baroque style.

At South Kensington Underground Station, a corroded steel frame meant that almost 90% of the original oxblood red faience façade had to be replaced. We manufactured the replacement faience, handmade by our team, in Lancashire. Around 1,800 oxblood red units were produced for the exterior, including matching mouldings and decorative pieces, each colour matched to the existing faience.

The restoration, delivered for Transport for London with specialist contractor Szerelmey, returned the station to its original appearance and was Highly Commended at the 2014 Heritage Awards.