Derbyshire’s Willington Station now has its own art gallery thanks to the latest collaboration with Willington Arts Festival. A series of community artwork produced over the last seven years have been printed onto durable boards to provide a lasting legacy of the work of hundreds of people that have contributed to the production of these pieces of art. The three original murals depicting different parts of the village, were produced in 2014, 2015 and 2016 as part of the annual Big Picture Community Art Mural. They were produced on 16ft long plywood and had been on display at the station until a few months ago, when their condition became beyond repair.
Photographs of these murals have been reprinted along with more recent community art projects. These include the Willington Community Painting mural to promote Co-operative Fortnight in 2019, along with Shark Attack produced by local children and the more traditional Flower Arranging produced by adults attending the 2019 festival event.
The station has been a great location to promote the artistic talents of the Willington community and provide a lasting legacy for local people and visitors to enjoy. The community artwork and the Willington WI Station Adopters’ wonderful planters and garden areas have made the station a more welcoming and attractive part of the village community. It is hoped that next year, new artwork will become part of the Willington Station Art Gallery.
Donna Adams, community engagement manager at EMR said: “Creating an art gallery at Willington station is a very fitting location to showcase the talents of the local community. Throughout the years the artwork has bought the local community of all ages together, which also helps strengthen a sense of pride and belonging. As the focal point and first impression to the village the artwork and work carried out by Willington WI creates a more welcoming environment for those passing through or by the station. We look forward to collaborating with more groups in the village over the coming years and adding to the collection”.
