A landmark piece of Bristol’s community heritage has been restored to its original vibrancy.

Led by Severnside Community Rail Partnership and funded through Great Western Railway’s Customer and Community Improvement Fund, the restoration was carried out by Bristol-based artist Valeriia Proskurina, who dedicated four weeks to the project, regularly working 16-hour days to ensure every panel received the care and attention to detail it deserved.

The 25-metre mural, made up of 12 panels along Platform 1, was originally created by Bill Guilding in 1999 and has become an enduring symbol of the people, heritage and diversity of Easton. For more than 25 years it has welcomed passengers to Stapleton Road, celebrating figures including civil rights campaigner Dr Paul Stephenson and cricketing legend WG Grace.

The restored mural remains a key feature of Severnside CRP’s Art on Route trail, a collection of public artworks that showcase the creativity, identity and history of communities across the region. Community Rail Week 2026 saw the launch of the new pocket trail guide, which was supported through Community Rail Network’s Community Rail Development Fund.

Read more about the trail here.

A special event was held on Monday 20 July 2026 to mark the completion of the restoration project. Guests including MP for Bristol East Kerry McCarthy, representatives from Severnside CRP, volunteers from Siemens Mobility and members of the Bristol community gathered at Stapleton Road Station to watch the final panel of the iconic mural being put in place.

Siemens Mobility was involved with the project as part of its corporate partnership with Community Rail Network, which sees rail sector and other partners providing their skills, knowledge and volunteering time to support the growth of community rail across Britain. As part of the organisation’s volunteering commitment, the team of Siemens Mobility employees helped to clean and prepare the panels ahead of the restoration work and final unveiling.

Manager for Severnside CRP, Heather Cullimore, said: “This mural has been an important part of the Stapleton Road community since 1999, reflecting the people, stories and diversity that make Easton and Bristol so special.

“We’re grateful to Valeriia for her dedication to the restoration, to the volunteers who supported the project, and to Great Western Railway and Network Rail Great Western Route for helping to make it possible.

“This has been a true community effort, and we’re delighted to see this much-loved artwork continue to welcome and inspire residents and rail passengers for years to come.”

MP for Bristol East, Kerry McCarthy, said: “It was a real pleasure to join community leaders to celebrate the restoration of the mural at Stapleton Road Station. The artwork is a classic and truly represents Easton’s diverse population and unique history.

“A huge thank you to everyone involved for carrying out the restoration and for making it a true community effort. I hope everyone will enjoy it as part of the wider Severnside CRP Rail Art Trail and as a reminder of the people who’ve helped make our city so special.”

Here more from the people involved in the project in this piece from BBC Radio Bristol.

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from Severnside CRP via their website.

Learn more about Great Western Railway’s work with communities here.