Mural scenes: The Armada - Ark Royal(Image: Cyberheritage Stephen Johnson)

Plymouth's lost Royal Parade murals buried beneath the city since 2004

by · PlymouthLive

In 2004, Plymouth witnessed significant controversy when the council revealed proposals to close the pedestrian underpass beneath Royal Parade at its meeting point with Armada Way.

The public backlash centred not only on concerns about crossing the busy thoroughfare, but also on the loss of magnificent murals that decorated the subway's entrances and interior surfaces.

The murals, captured in the remarkable archive photographs below, illustrated significant moments and personalities from Plymouth's past. Commissioned by the city council in 1987, these glazed tile artworks were created by celebrated ceramicist Kenneth Clark, working from designs by distinguished artist Edward Pond.

Both creators died in 2012, and their pieces have since become highly sought after. Beyond offering a glimpse into local history for pedestrians using the Royal Parade underpass near Dingles, the murals also attracted visitors and provided a stage for street performers who frequently entertained in the subway. Yet the tunnel - along with its remarkable artwork - obstructed an ambitious blueprint for Plymouth's redevelopment, envisaged by architect David Mackay.

The ambitious plan was to "declutter" Armada Way, creating a large plaza-style area capable of hosting festivals, entertainment, markets and various public events. The objective was also to strengthen the visual and physical connection between the city centre and the waterfront.

As a result, the subway shut in June 2004. The following month, local residents officially photographed the murals before tonnes of rubble covered them.

Along with the murals, local schoolchildren and members of the public placed items in a time capsule.

For those who remember the subway murals fondly, here's another opportunity to view some of the images they displayed.

Mural scenes: The Armada - Ark Royal

Mural scenes: The Armada - Ark Royal(Image: Cyberheritage Stephen Johnson)

Mural scenes: Exotic fruits from across the seas

Mural scenes: Exotic fruits from across the seas(Image: Cyberheritage Stephen Johnson)

Mural scenes: Battle of Freedom Fields

Mural scenes: Battle of Freedom Fields(Image: Cyberheritage Stephen Johnson)

Mural history: A colourful image of Smeaton's lighthouse

Mural history: A colourful image of Smeaton's lighthouse(Image: Cyberheritage Stephen Johnson)

Mural scenes: The Merchant's House

Mural scenes: The Merchant's House(Image: Cyberheritage Stephen Johnson)

Mural scenes: Elephants from across the oceans

Mural scenes: Elephants from across the oceans(Image: Cyberheritage Stephen Johnson)

Mural scenes: A 1980s contemporary view signed by artist Edward Pond

Mural scenes: A 1980s contemporary view signed by artist Edward Pond(Image: Cyberheritage Stephen Johnson)

Mural scenes: Charles II and The Citadel

Mural scenes: Charles II and The Citadel(Image: Cyberheritage Stephen Johnson)