please empty your brain below

That swastika artwork is, erm, interesting...
Pedestrains? So you noticed the spelling thing, too? http://www.flickr.com/photos/32293736@N04/7314897558/
Yes, didn't know about that swastika.

The swastika symbol was stolen by the Nazis from the Bhuddists.

I lived in Singapore for several years and it was not unusual for a taxi driven by someone of Indian origin to have a swastika lucky charm dangling from the rear view mirror.

Took a bit of getting used to!

It could well be that the sign (which is essntially a peace sign) relates to that.

Or maybe not!
In 1934 the swastika was - as it was and is in a fair part of the world - a symbol meaning something different to what it means to the western world post 1939. Presumably the station was designed in 1933/4, and I doubt the designers were paying attention to the rise of the 3rd Reich... bearing in mind the swastika was only incorporated into the Nazi Party flag after Hitler came to power in '33... Damn it, I can't believe I've broken Godwin's Law in relation to a post about Upminster!

It's all about conext - I'm not Hindu but seeing it in subcontinental culture growing up in London (mainly bollywood films), it didn't mean anything sinister until I watched Raiders of the Lost Ark (most 80's children's introduction to evil Nazis!).
Back on topic, great photos!
Yes, it's true: the swastika was commonly used, in various parts of Europe, as a symbol of "modernity" and "progress": it was a symbol of the nascent (and decidedly non-nazi) air forces of several European countries in the 1920s and 30s (off the top of my head: Latvia and Finland, but surely others too)...

I must pick you up on saying the benches at Upminster Bridge are unique, though. They aren't (or, at least, were't): Elm Park, which opened at about the same time, has or had a set too.

I've done a fair bit of that walk - underrated beauty it certainly is, for quite a way.










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