A vibrant display of colour, creativity and community spirit recently took centre stage at Cranbrook Station, as students, artists, and Town Council and rail representatives came together to unveil a new public art installation.
Created during workshops led by artist Alistair Lambert, the artworks reflect the imagination and identity of Cranbrook’s young residents, offering travellers a splash of inspiration and beauty to enjoy during their commute.
The artwork celebrates what makes Cranbrook special, depicting not only the homes and lives of its residents but also the town’s crown jewel – the national award-winning Cranbrook Country Park and its rich natural habitat.
The project was commissioned by the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership and funded by South Western Railway and the Community Rail Development Fund, administered by Community Rail Network on behalf of the Department for Transport.
Rebecca Catterall, Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership development officer, said: ‘This wonderful new artwork will not only enhance the experience for people using Cranbrook Station but really showcases the creativity of the young people involved.”
Lead artist Alistair Lambert said: “All the pupils involved rose to the challenge by cutting out, tearing and assembling paper collage images to create colourful designs based on the buildings and green spaces of Cranbrook. I was spoilt for choice by the range of beautiful, imaginative and vibrant work that the pupils produced in our short workshops and their enthusiasm and creativity shows through in the composition that I am proud to have assembled to greet visitors to Cranbrook Station.”
Stephen Farmer, head of Cranbrook Education Campus, said: “This project is a brilliant example of what happens when creativity, community, and education come together. Our CEC pupils were so proud to see their ideas come to life in such a public and meaningful way. The station is not only a gateway to Cranbrook – it’s now also a gallery that celebrates the identity and voice of its young people.
“Through this project, our pupils have truly lived out the PERKS of being #Crantastic: showing how Proud, Engaged, Ready, Kind and Safe they are in representing their school and community. We’re incredibly grateful to Alistair Lambert and all the partners who made this possible. It’s been inspiring to watch our learners use art to connect with place, purpose and pride.”
Councillor Colin Buchan, Cranbrook Town Council and representative of East Devon District Council Arts and Culture Forum, said: “This project beautifully demonstrates how art can bring a community together. The creativity and enthusiasm shown by the students have transformed the station into a more vibrant and welcoming space.
“We sincerely thank the schools, the talented artist Alistair Lambert, Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership, South Western Railway, Community Rail Network and everyone who supported the project.”
Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership via their website.
