In Southampton’s ‘Old Town’ area you’ll find Hamtun Street. It’s only a few yards away from sights like the Tudor House and Garden or the old Merchant’s Cottage.
The city crest of Southampton in red and white on the Hamtun Street murals which depict the history of the city including World War Two. Photo taken on 4th June 2014.
It’s also the spot to find a mosaic mural depicting the city’s history. From Roman beginnings to the 20th century, it’s all here. The display measures up at 19 metres long and 3 metres wide and focusses on proud aeronautics and maritime achievement.
Of course, this includes the important role played by Southampton in the run-up to D-Day. Other panels depict the Supermarine Spitfire and its contribution to the Battle of Britain.
As well as the events of D-Day, the Hamtun Street murals depict the imagery of the iconic Spitfire built in the nearby Supermarine facilities. Photo taken on 4th June 2014.
Moving the mural to Hamtun Street
Created in 1978 by Henry and Joyce Collins, the mural first graced the facade of a Sainsbury’s store. During a restoration project in 1990, it was removed for safekeeping and placed in storage. Later, the mural was gifted to Southampton City Council. The council moved the panels to their current location on Hamtun Street in 2010.
The murals of Hamtun Street in Southampton commemorate the 3 million servicemen and women who left from the port city bound for Normandy in 1944. Photo taken on 4th June 2014.
More recent work to the Hamtun Street mural was made possible by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The work was completed by ceramic artist Oliver Budd.
The history of the D-Day departures from Southampton in 1944 is remembered on a panel on the murals of Hamtun Street in Southampton. Photo taken on 4th June 2014.
Our photos focus on the men and women who left from Southampton bound for Normandy as well as the building of the Spitfire nearby.