Penistone Line Partnership, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), and Artworks SY are proud to announce the launch of a new collaborative project celebrating Railway 200.
The Railway 200 Exhibition at Sheffield Station, along with a poster art trail across all 17 stations on the Penistone Line, runs from 9 April to 7 July 2025.
This vibrant, rail-themed exhibition showcases the creativity of Artworks SY participants – talented artists with learning disabilities and autism – who have worked over a 10-week period to produce a stunning collection of railway-inspired pieces.
Their work includes a series of unique poster artworks installed at every platform along the Penistone Line, from Huddersfield to Sheffield via Barnsley, as well as a dedicated exhibition on the display panels adjacent to Platform 1 at Sheffield Station.
As part of the creative process, participants took a rail journey to the Danum Museum in Doncaster to explore its railway collection. Inspired by the experience, and by their own observations of railway signage, pattern, infrastructure, and landscapes, they produced work that celebrates the heritage and their own experiences of rail.
Check out what Artworks SY participants had to say about the project in their Spring 2025 newsletter.
Cathrine Ashworth, community rail officer for SYMCA, co-led the project and supported the production of a special series of limited-edition postcards featuring artwork from the poster trail. These will be available at outdoor events throughout the summer, where the Penistone Line Partnership will be showcasing community rail.
The initiative was made possible thanks to funding from Cross Country and East Midlands Railway, with additional support from Northern, who provided rail travel for the group’s research trip and for participants to see their work on display along the line.
Sarah Wells, community rail officer for the Penistone Line Partnership, said: “Special thanks must go to the Artworks SY team for leading the workshops and installing the exhibition at Sheffield Station, and to the PLP volunteers who installed 35 individual poster artworks across the line – bringing Railway 200 to life for passengers in Kirklees, Barnsley, and Sheffield.
“Looking ahead, we’re keen to explore ways to turn some of the artwork into permanent installations along the Penistone Line, to create a lasting legacy for the project and its artists.”
Sam Devito of Artworks SY, said: “This project has given our artists a real sense of pride. Not only have they created beautiful, thoughtful art, but they’ve also gained confidence in using the railway and experience of the wider community.”
Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from the Penistone Line Partnership via their website.
