Staff reporter,london(wp/es):
Westminster council is spending £1.2 million to refurbish the historic lamp columns lining the Victoria Embankment in the run-up to its 150th anniversary next year.
Known as the Sturgeons because of their fish design, the cast-iron lampposts were installed along the river wall to mark its completion.
Designed by architect George John Vulliamy, they were originally gas lamps, before being converted to electric early in the 20th century, and LED lighting seven years ago.
However, much of the original ornate detail has been obscured by coats of paint over the years. The columns are being removed for the first time to be grit-blasted back to the bare metal, before being repaired and repainted.
Tim Mitchell, Westminster City Council’s cabinet member for environment and city management, said: “The Victoria Embankment Sturgeons serve as an iconic reminder of our capital’s cultural heritage and we are the custodians of this important part of Westminster’s history.
“As Grade II listed assets, we have a duty to keep these lampposts in good condition for the enjoyment of people now and future generations.”
The first batch of 16 lampposts were repaired and reinstalled in the autumn, and another batch are currently being refurbished. It is hoped the project will be finished by June this year.
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