The mosaic murals at Tottenham Court Road tube station, designed by Scottish artist Sir Eduardo Paolozzi, have been one of London's most loved pieces of public art since they were erected in 1984.

Now two of the central elements of the scheme - a double set of tiled arches over the escalators in the main concourse and a large decorative panel at the entrance to the south side of Oxford Street - face "imminent" demolition to make way for the new Crossrail link.

What other artwork that is enjoyed by 150,000 people every day would be mercilessly ripped down?

Transport for London promises that 95 per cent of the work will be saved.

But, as antiques expert Steven Moore argues: "Would you remove the face from the Mona Lisa and say, 'Hey we're saving 95 per cent?' No. It's vandalism!"

Henrietta Billings, senior conservation adviser at the Twentieth Century Society, says: "Both of these pieces are of very high quality and we believe they could be successfully retained within the new station – or relocated. To destroy them would be a tragic loss and London deserves better.”

This artwork is a crucial part of the heritage of London Underground and the capital itself. Let's save it before it's too late.

(Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/timefortea3/)