Darent Valley Community Rail Partnership (CRP) have unveiled a series of early 20th century inspired posters to encourage more people to visit the area by train.
The CRP, with funding from Southeastern, GTR Thameslink and local councils, commissioned artist Kit Boyd to produce a set of posters representing each of the six stations between Sevenoaks and Swanley. Kit conducted in depth research to get inspiration for the posters and travelled to each station several times, talking to locals, visiting landmarks and exploring local museums. Each poster features references to the area’s history and local points of interest – from the solar system in Otford to the horticultural history in Swanley. The series of posters will be used as part of a new campaign on station platforms throughout the south east and on social media to encourage sustainable visits to and within the Darent Valley.
The posters were officially launched on 28 March at Bat and Ball Station, along the Darent Valley Line, where many partners and local dignitaries were in attendance, eager to take a close up look at the artwork.
Kit Boyd, artist, says: “I was delighted to be commissioned to create posters for the six stations in the beautiful Darent Valley, Samuel Palmer’s Valley of Vision. Each place holds its own particular attraction, which I hope these posters will encourage visitors to experience, and also appeal to local travellers who may see something they recognise and relate to about their town or village. Each one was a labour of love, so I hope they’ll be enjoyed and brighten up journeys all the way along the valley.”
Sarah Newman, Darent Valley CRP officer says: “We are delighted to have these wonderfully creative posters to celebrate travelling by train on our picturesque Darent Valley Line between Swanley and Sevenoaks.
“Working with talented artist Kit Boyd and local graphic designer Tim Higginson has been a real pleasure. Spending time in each community was vital to the outcome and many people contributed to each artwork. We cannot wait to see them up along the line and far beyond.”
To see the full set of posters and find out more about the work of Darent Valley CRP, visit their website: https://darentvalleycrp.org/posters/
