Passengers will now be greeted by bespoke artwork when they arrive at stations along the Manchester-Buxton railway line.
The idea for the project was sparked when the Friends of Disley Station spotted Eamonn Murphy’s artworks on station platforms leading out of Stockport. The unique pieces showcase local landmarks for each station, from the architecture of Buxton to the scenic countryside of Chapel-en-le-Frith and the industrial heritage of New Mills.
Jean Windsor of the Friends of Disley Station said: “Our shelters needed a bit of brightening up. We saw the bright, colourful artworks along the Buxton line and decided we’d like something similar for our station.”
Eamonn worked with the High Peak & Hope Valley Community Rail Partnership and the station friends groups in the area to bring a consistent theme to the stations, celebrating the most distinctive places at each location. The groups involved celebrated the installation of the final pieces at Dove Holes Station on Thursday 22 February.
Artist Eamonn Murphy said: “I feel honoured to be invited to contribute to the great work that is done by these groups of volunteers all year round. With the support of the High Peak & Hope Valley CRP, each of the groups has actively participated in identifying appropriate subjects for the artworks and in refining the final images.”
Helen Wright, Community Rail Partnership Officer for the High Peak & Hope Valley CRP, said: “We’re delighted to see all the artworks in situ. Community rail is about celebrating the role of railways in providing communities with work, education and leisure opportunities. The images really capture this spirit and highlight some of the quirkiest and best things about the local area.”
The artwork can be seen at all Buxton line stations between Buxton and Disley, and stations beyond to Stockport, including Buxton, Dove Holes, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Whaley Bridge, Furness Vale, New Mills Newtown, and Disley.
Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from the High Peak & Hope Valley CRP via their website.
