First Morley’s chicken shop sign to be displayed in museum’s community exhibition
The original sign from the first Morley’s chicken shop in Sydenham will be on display at a museum as part of a new installation.
The red placard will be hung in the London Museum’s new Smithfield home as part of the Hanging Out display, celebrating the places London’s communities come together.
The sign was officially handed over at London Museum’s stores by members of Morley’s team, alongside celebrated South London musicians and entrepreneurs Krept & Konan.
The donation coincides with Morley’s 40th anniversary, a major milestone for the cult fried chicken brand, whose loyal fanbase has made it a South London institution.
The sign will be exhibited as part of the museum’s Hanging Out installation which celebrates the social spaces that bring London’s communities together.
Founded in 1985 by Sri Lankan-born Kannalingam “Indran” Selvendran – who moved to London from his native Colombo in the 1970s – Morley’s has grown from a single Sydenham shop into a high street staple.
Despite its success, Morley’s has remained a family business with Mr Selvendran’s son Shan becoming Managing Director in 2009.
Shan Selvendran, chief executive officer of Morley’s said: “Ever since our beginnings as a small family-run shop, it was always my father’s dream to make Morley’s a household name.
“Through his passion for community and flavour, he built a loyal presence in south London – laying the foundation for where we are today.
“Although his unexpected passing meant he wasn’t here to see just how far we’ve grown, Dad’s vision lives on – and it means the world to see our story being recognised by London Museum.
“Morley’s means so much to so many people – as part of their own lives and heritage – so this moment is also for everyone who has been a part of that journey.”
Based firmly south of the river for its first 35 years, Morley’s now has more than 100 locations across London and beyond, including Brighton and Milton Keynes.
Its cult status has been cemented through ties with the creative scene with a Morley’s store serving as a music video backdrop for Stormzy’s 2017 hit single Big For Your Boots, and Krept & Konan’s 2019 track Morley’s Freestyle.
The shop has also featured as a repeat location for Amelia Dimoldenberg’s popular Chicken Shop Date series, playing host to celebrity interviews including Burna Boy, Rosalía, RAYE and Wicked star Cynthia Erivo.
Dhikshana Turakhia Pering, head of creative programmes at London Museum, said: “Morley’s is an icon of London’s high streets – a name that instantly evokes memories of after school hangouts and late-night stories for generations of Londoners.
“It’s part of the DNA and culture of London and tells a story about community spirit and entrepreneurialism that’s at the heart of this city.
“Acquiring the original sign has been on our wish list since the early inception of Hanging Out. We’re thrilled it’ll join the museum’s collection as part of London’s story.”
Set within the historic Smithfield market buildings, the London Museum will reopen in 2026 to welcome more than 2 million annual visitors each year.
The search continues for signs from across London to be featured in the Hanging Out display – from music venues and sports clubs to corner shops, nail salons and cafes.
Signs should be relevant to the last 80 years, and measure a minimum of around 50x50cm to be considered.
Anyone with a suggestion or an item to donate can contact the museum at ourtime@londonmuseum.org.uk with as much detail as possible.
Pictured top: Musicians Krept & Konan hand over original Morley’s sign with Sydenham store owner Kannalingam Mahendran and his daughter Janani Nageswaran (Picture: London Museum)
