Campaign in Oldham for protection of rare mural by Jewish artist who fled Nazi Germany

On 13^th September, Sunday, a campaign was started in Oldham to save The Crucifixion a rare mural by George Mayer-Marton.

A leading 20^th century artist,Marton fled to the UK from Austria in 1938, escaping the Nazi Germany and the community in Oldham is gathering together to save the Jewish artists’ masterpiece. The community fears that the building will be demolished or redeveloped. Hence, Save Britain’s Heritage has written to Historic England, the body that recognises and protects historic buildings and sites on behalf of the government, urging swift action to save the mural. Reports suggest that a decree was issued by the Nazis against Marton declaring him barred from the National Chamber of the Fine Arts because investigations had shown he “did not possess the necessary commitment and reliability to promote German culture”.

Henrietta Billings, director of Save Britain’s Heritage, said, “This is an incredibly rare, well-executed and important mural for Oldham and for England by a leading 20th-century artist and lecturer. It needs protection and national recognition through listing.”