Did you know that Mortlake Crematorium stands as a testament to Art Deco design? It is an architectural treasure in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Let’s step back in time to explore its history.
Mortlake Crematorium opened in 1939. It is located in Kew near Mortlake. The crematorium was built next to Mortlake Cemetery. It serves the boroughs of Ealing Hammersmith and Fulham Hounslow and Richmond upon Thames.
Imagine this place in 1936. The Mortlake Crematorium Act was licensed. It became the first crematorium established under its own Act of Parliament. Douglas Barton designed the building. He was the borough surveyor to Hammersmith Metropolitan Borough Council. Construction took three years. The cost was about 27000 pounds.
The facility included a Garden of Remembrance. Ashes could be buried or scattered here. Panels and niches were also available for ash deposits. When Lord Horder opened it in 1939 he was the King’s Physician. He remarked that the somber atmosphere often found in such buildings was eliminated here.
The Mortlake Crematorium’s exterior remained largely unchanged. That is until 1982. Colin Gilbert an architect from Ealing designed additional gardens. These gardens are located between the crematorium and the River Thames.
Considered a rare example of Art Deco Richmond upon Thames Council calls it a building of exceptional quality. Environmentalist Colin Hines considers it London’s most undiscovered deco treasure. Hilary Grainger describes the architectural style as Italianate. She notes the beautiful cloisters with discrete brick detailing. In 2011 it became a Grade II listed building. Historic England noted its distinctive Art Deco design.
Mortlake Crematorium sits on Kew Meadow Path Townsmead Road Kew. It is on the banks of the River Thames near Chiswick Bridge. It adjoins Mortlake Cemetery. The nearest train stations are Kew Gardens and Mortlake.
Before the crematorium Pink’s Farm occupied this site. The Atwood family prominent market gardeners owned it.
Mortlake Crematorium has seen many notable cremations. Among them are Richard Beckinsale the actor. Tommy Cooper the comedian and magician was cremated here. Sir Robin Day the political broadcaster also passed through these halls. Kenny Everett the radio DJ and television entertainer was cremated here. Charles Hawtrey the comedy actor and Kirsty MacColl the singer-songwriter are other notable names. Even Baroness Thatcher the former Prime Minister was cremated here.
The crematorium also honors seventy-nine Commonwealth servicemen of World War II. Their names are listed on a screen wall memorial. It was erected by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. It is in the adjoining Mortlake Cemetery.
Mortlake Crematorium stands not just as a place of final farewells. It is also a structure of architectural and historical significance. Its beautiful design and serene gardens offer a peaceful setting. This is for remembrance and reflection. The Mortlake Crematorium continues to serve the community. It provides solace and a dignified service.