Year 10 students, aged 14-15, from Armfield Academy have been working imaginatively with their art teacher, Mr J Evans, professional Lancashire fine artist and photographer Diane Muldowney and Community Rail Lancashire to create a striking display designed to brighten up the platform at Blackpool Pleasure Beach Station.

The official unveiling took place on Thursday 30 April, attended by railway partners and the dedicated Station Friends group. The students were particularly excited with the attendance of Whistle the Dog, Northern’s mascot, and a member of the station group… four-legged friend, ‘Nell’ – all celebrating the students’ creativity and achievement.

The impressive artwork forms part of the students’ GCSE portfolios and captures both the station and nearby attractions. The students have taken inspiration from artists they have researched: French illustrator, now based in Brighton, Claire Rolett, and American, Robert Rauschenberg, who led the way to what we know today as Pop Art. The students also explored cyanotype techniques with Diane, using photographic negatives to invent distinctive prints.

Getting ready for the installation, the Station Friends group – established just over a year ago – painted fencing and worked to improve the overall appearance of the station, helping to cultivate a more welcoming environment for passengers and pride in this local space.

The project was funded by Community Rail Network through the Department for Transport’s Community Rail Development Fund, Community Rail Lancashire and South Fylde Line CRP.

Tony Ford, chair of the South Fylde Line Community Rail Partnership (part of Community Rail Lancashire), said: “I am very pleased to see yet another step in the development of Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach Station. This artwork contributes to making this station even more attractive and welcoming.”

Martin Keating, Northern’s community and sustainability manager, said: “It’s a pleasure to showcase the artwork created by Armfield Academy – it brings a cheer to the railway station for all to enjoy”.

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from Community Rail Lancashire and learn more about the South Fylde Line Community Rail Partnership via their website.

Learn more about Northern’s work in the community here.