A disused retail space at Reigate Station has been revitalised by the Southeast Communities Rail Partnership (SCRP) into a gallery of local art students’ work.

The collection of 20 photographs was created by Year 1 students from Reigate School of Art. Students aged 16-18 on the Level 3 Creative Media Production course used a digital camera to explore the theme of ‘journeys’, capturing a series of images which represent a place, location, or the process of travelling.

Each student was invited to explore the theme in their own individual way, demonstrating practical camera skills and creativity, as well as finding out about their chosen locations, including logistics, maps, train timetables, MET office weather reports, sunset-sunrise times, and more. All the photographs were taken in Redhill, Reigate, Croydon, West Sussex and the surrounding areas.

SCRP joined forces with station staff and the college to install the artworks, reclaiming the space for the enjoyment of the public and station users in what is now Reigate Station’s picture gallery.

The creation of the photo gallery comes a year after Reigate School of Art’s photography students provided another display of work, which was installed within the underpass at the station.

Denise Felkin, Photography Course Leader at the Reigate school of Art, said: “Working on location is an essential skill, which enables the photographer to observe their surroundings, communicate personal ideas, and fulfil assignment tasks. The students’ images all communicate individual ideas on the theme of ‘journeys’.

“The subjects photographed range from street photography, public transport, commercial vehicles, local places, personal journeys in mental health, studies of light, the journey of a harp being made, daily walks, road signs and environmental issues.”

Sharon Gray, Community Rail Development Officer at SCRP, said: “Reigate Station has been the recipient of a great deal of community interest and input over the past year or so. This has included hosting a community celebration event, a new joint station partnership of local groups who have taken on the station’s gardening tasks, and adding to the existing history projects displayed in the ticket hall.

“There is much to admire and enjoy at this delightful little station, with much more still being planned.”

You can keep up to date with future news, projects and events from the Southeast Communities Rail Partnership via their website.