Sunday, 27 October 2019
Acclaimed artist, Adrian Riley, will visit Longton to collect snippets of railway memories. These will be used in a large mural he is creating at Longton Station this winter. The mural will reference links between the station and the town’s important ceramic heritage. Railway memories will be represented by words and symbols.
Adrian has created murals and other public art projects around the UK often working with local residents to help them express their thoughts and ideas. These have included projects in Leeds, Newcastle, York and Nottingham.
Adrian will work with students from St Thomas More Catholic Academy who will learn about how to design and create a large public art work and have opportunity to be involved in designing the Longton Station artwork with the artist.
The mural, to cover three of the arches on the Baths Road side of Longton Station, will be funded by the North Staffs Community Rail Partnership, using a grant from the Association of Community Rail Partnerships. The mural is part of a programme of improvements to the station requested by respondents to a recent public consultation. Two large planters – “Fire and Ice” - were installed there in the summer and were included in the town’s In Bloom portfolio (seen below).
Claire Sandys, Community Rail Officer for the North Staffs Line, said: “Passenger numbers at Longton Station continue to increase year on year. We want to improve the station environment for passengers and pedestrians walking through. Planting and artwork will help to make the site more colourful, interesting and welcoming.”
Donna Adams, Community Rail Officer from East Midlands Railway said: “This project will truly portray the local community of Longton and will be a great addition at the station. Working with St Thomas More Catholic Academy this will showcase the rich heritage in the area and the railway, through art. If you see Adrian on the 1st November make sure you share your memories of the area. “
Adrian Riley will be visiting the station and walking through the town during 1 November so don’t be surprised if you see him.
For more information please contact Claire Sandys on 01782 232272 or 07879 115698.
Volunteer station adopters work with East Midlands Railway staff to keep the station looking good. New members are welcome. Please contact Claire Sandys on the above number if you would like to join them.
