Following the recent launch of a new arts installation at Stockport Station, Crewe to Manchester CRP and South East Manchester CRP were delighted to see local band Blossoms’ members Tom Ogden and Myles Kellock stopping to admire the artwork in the station underpass, created in honour of the town’s rich musical heritage.

Displayed in the station’s underpass, the series of 44 artworks depicts the musicians that have performed, lived or recorded in Stockport through the years – from The Beatles to Blossoms.

Designed to capture key moments in the town’s history and be a cultural attraction, the largescale artwork was the idea of both the Crewe to Manchester and South East Manchester Community Rail Partnerships.

The artwork was created by Seven Miles Out Arts, a Stockport-based community arts hub, in collaboration with six local artists. Telling the community’s forgotten history and its importance to the music industry, each piece features a QR code that shares the story behind the artist’s connection to the town from the 1960s to the present day.

Stockport has a significant musical heritage – it was home to Strawberry Studios, where many famous artists, including Joy Division, The Smiths, and Paul McCartney recorded.

Gillian Renshaw, community rail officer for the Crewe to Manchester and South East Manchester CRPs, said: “With the Brit and MOBO Awards recently held in Manchester for the first time, this feels like a significant and timely project that really captures the heritage of Stockport and its significance within the music industry.

“Community rail is all about inclusion and connecting people to their railway. From The Beatles to Bowie and Blossoms, this is a true celebration of those sung and unsung heroes that played a key part in the area.”

Lisa Musgrave, Avanti West Coast station manager at Stockport, said: “This artwork brightens up the station’s underpass and creates a vibrant gateway for everyone arriving at Stockport by rail. It’s a great addition to the station, which is already considered a cultural landmark, and captures the stories of those who have worked, visited or performed in the area.

“We’re pleased to have supported the community and local artists to celebrate the town’s rich musical heritage. With its unique perspective, we hope the artwork will help people to discover something new and encourage them to explore more of Stockport’s music scene.”

John Barratt, director of Seven Miles Out Arts, said: “As a proud resident of Stockport, this project means so much to me and the artists involved in bringing all this to life. Stockport’s music scene is just one aspect that makes this town great and we’re so grateful to the community rail partnerships and Avanti West Coast who have made this vision a reality.”

Learn more about Avanti West Coast’s work in the community here.

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from Crewe to Manchester CRP here and South East Manchester CRP here.