PASSENGERS arriving at Worcester Foregate Street Railway station are now being welcomed to the city by a beautiful new mural celebrating 200 years of trail travel.
The colourful design by artist Sarah Brown is also waymarking the entrance to The Arches walkway, linking the station with the city’s riverside.
The striking new artwork sits under Foregate Street railway bridge opposite the station and is part of Great Western Railway (GWR)’s contribution to Railway 200, the national campaign celebrating a British innovation that changed the world.
GWR’s funding was matched by Worcester City Council to enable Severn Arts to commission Sarah Brown’s creation.
Coun Lynn Denham, leader of Worcester City Council, said: “Sarah’s beautiful mural is a wonderful addition to Worcester’s culture. It makes Foregate Street Station more welcoming to visitors, celebrates our railway heritage and entices people to explore The Arches walkway and the businesses based there.”
Laura Worsfold, Severn Arts chief executive officer, said: “We’re delighted to see this vibrant new mural unveiled at Foregate Street bridge, right at the heart of Worcester’s Creative Quarter.
“It’s a brilliant example of how collaboration between artists, students and local communities can transform public spaces into something meaningful and inspiring.
“Not only does it celebrate 200 years of railway heritage, but it also enriches the city’s cultural landscape and creates a welcoming, creative gateway to the Arches for residents and visitors alike.”
Sarah Brown, the artist behind the eye-catching mural, has worked on many site-specific commissions and has had her work exhibited across the world.
Based just over the border in Gloucestershire, she is a glass artist, illustrator and co-creator. Visitors to Redditch will be familiar with her Planting Doddin mural in the town.
Sarah said: “I loved working with Heart of Worcester College art students and Platform Housing to gather the stories and key locations that are now featured in this artwork.
“It was a lot of fun to hear the ways rail travel has impacted people in Worcestershire over the years, from enabling care of their grandchildren, to unforgettable memories of adventures in the school holidays and so many more.”
The mural is positioned at the entrance to The Arches, an area of refurbished Victorian railway arches that is now home to creative enterprises, cafes and bars.
It also provides a new route for pedestrians and cyclists to quickly get from Foregate Street Station to The Hive and the river beyond.
