A mural was unveiled this morning (Friday, 30 May 2025) at Richmond Station, celebrating 65 years of partnership between Richmond and its twin towns: Fontainebleau in France and Konstanz in Germany.

Now on permanent display near the station's main entrance, the commemorative mural honours "decades of exchange in education, culture, and community life," the Council says.

The mural features Richmond's twin towns in a 1930s style art design (credit: Richmond Council).

Speaking at the unveiling, Leader of Richmond Council, Councillor Gareth Roberts, said the mural is a celebration of shared values and lasting friendships.

He explained: "Richmond has always looked outward, and we're part of a wider international tradition of cooperation rooted in mutual respect, peace and cultural exchange.

"Town twinning strengthens shared learning between communities, creates opportunities for young people, and connects our borough to a wider global story of collaboration."

The Richmond Brass Band performed at the unveiling (credit: Richmond Council).

The unveiling ceremony was also attended by the Mayor of Richmond Cllr Penny Frost, local councillors, representatives of South Western Railway, civic guests, and Alan Mockford, Chair of the Richmond in Europe Association.

Mockford said: "Twinning brings people together. Trains also bring people together – what better location could there be for this stunning mural of our three European towns than the beautiful Art Deco foyer of Richmond Station." 

French and German flags can be seen adorned outside Richmond Station (credit: Richmond Council).

The mural was commissioned and funded by the Richmond in Europe Association, supported by Richmond Council, and designed in a 1930s style by the Council's graphics team to complement the station's architecture and ongoing refurbishment. 

The Richmond Brass Band added a celebratory note with a specially arranged fanfare blending French, German and English musical themes – a nod to the borough's multilingual partnerships.

Mayor of Richmond Cllr Penny Frost at the event (credit: Richmond Council).

Richmond Council says today's unveiling is "one of the highlights" in a year-long celebration of Richmond's European partnerships.

Festivities began earlier this year – including the May Fair's European theme – and will continue throughout 2025. 

A key moment will be the Twinning Reaffirmation Weekend from 6–8 June.

The Twinning Reaffirmation Weekend celebrates the shared culture and ties among the three towns (credit: Richmond Council).

Hundreds of visitors from Fontainebleau and Konstanz are expected to join Richmond residents for a packed programme of cultural activities, shared learning, and renewed pledges of friendship.

More than 50 events are planned across the borough – from joint concerts and school exchanges to sports fixtures, heritage tours and informal gatherings – celebrating Richmond's international links.

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