A 'one-of-a-kind' Oldham mural painted by a Hungarian artist who fled Nazi persecution has finally been saved from vandalism attempts following an important breakthrough.

A much-loved mural painted by Hungarian artist, George Mayer-Marton, that is situated in the Holy Rosary Church on Fir Tree Avenue has been saved and earmarked for protection by the Government and Historic England after a lengthy campaign.

The artist responsible for the 7.5m mural, which depicts the figure of Christ in gold against a dark blue cross, was part of a generation of talented artists who came to Britain to escape Nazi persecution. 

Mayer-Marton's mural which was created in 1955 features in the centre of the Oldham church, however, national heritage and arts organisations have been concerned for years about its future as the masterpiece has been subject to vandalism and deterioration. 

The Oldham Times: George Mayer-Marton at work in his studio in Vienna. Image by Estate of G Mayer-Marton.George Mayer-Marton at work in his studio in Vienna. Image by Estate of G Mayer-Marton.

In 2017, an application to list the mural for protection was rejected as it was thought it was no longer intact.

This is because the fresco part of the mural had been painted over and the mosaic holes of Mary and St John had been removed.

Another application for the mural to be listed was made in August 2020 by Nick Braithwaite - the artist's great-nephew - which saw the campaign receive European backing. 

However, recent testing of the mural commissioned by Mr Braithwaite reveals that the original fresco remains in good condition beneath the paint.

The new discovery has prompted Historic England to support the campaign to save it and now it has now been listed as Grade II by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, which will protect it for generations to come.

The Oldham Times: An application to save the mural from damage and vandalism in 2017 was rejected. Image by George Mayer-Marton Estate.An application to save the mural from damage and vandalism in 2017 was rejected. Image by George Mayer-Marton Estate.

Heritage minister Nigel Huddleston said: "This stunning mural in the Church of the Holy Rosary deserves to be listed at Grade II.

"This will protect the one-of-a-kind mural and serve as an important reminder for future generations of Hungarian artist George Mayer-Marton's escape from Nazi persecution."

Marie Smallwood, Historic England’s Head of Advice North, said: “This is a fine work of art that should be preserved so that it can be enjoyed by local people and visitors.

"Nick Braithwaite, George Mayer-Marton’s great-nephew, deserves recognition for galvanising support from across the arts and international borders to prove that the mural exists intact, which has brought this about.

The Oldham Times: The mural was painted in 1955 and now sits in the Oldham church. Image by Historic England.The mural was painted in 1955 and now sits in the Oldham church. Image by Historic England.

"We are very concerned about recent reports of vandalism and we have contacted the church to seek further information about the extent of the damage and to seek assurances that steps are taken to ensure the best management of its care.”

Nick Braithwaite, the artist's great-nephew who has fought to preserve the mural for years, said: “I am delighted that my great uncle’s mural has been listed today. 

"I’m incredibly grateful to everyone over the years who’ve helped to bring this about. 

"I’m now keen to see the necessary steps taken properly to secure the church and to preserve George Mayer-Marton’s masterpiece for the enjoyment and inspiration of future generations.”