To commemorate 200 years of the Railway, Queen Mary’s College’s art students have created permanent artwork for Basingstoke Railway Station in collaboration with The Arts Society Basingstoke.
On Thursday October 2nd, an official unveiling event celebrated this milestone and the wonderful works of our young artists, whose work will be enjoyed by thousands of commuters and travellers.
The Project
Just a year ago, second-year students taking the UAL Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication (triple) programme at QMC were tasked with creating exciting artwork relating to this historic occasion.
Their year-long commitment to this project has culminated in a series of vibrant ceramic murals and eye-catching posters.
Basingstoke station funded seven ceramic murals, which are now housed permanently at platform 4. In addition, The Arts Society selected five students whose posters are now on display at the station entrance for a year.
The Official Unveiling
Thursday’s celebration brought together 11 of our young artists, their teacher and ceramic artist Michelle Shields, and a group of local figures who recognised this monumental event:
- Colin Phillimore – Councillor and Mayor of Basingstoke
- Luke Murphy – MP for Basingstoke
- Matthew Evans – Senior Stakeholder and Public Affairs Manager of South Western Railway
- Sharena Knight – Manager of Basingstoke Station
- Paula Aldridge – Community Rail Manager
- Mikey Nevitt – Community Rail Officer/Design and Media Lead
- Gill Waller – Arts Volunteer Coordinator at Arts Society Basingstoke
- Other members of the Arts Society Basingstoke Committee
This gathering jointly commemorated the Railway as a historically significant invention and celebrated the artistic commitment of these talented young people.
Basingstoke’s Community and History
The Railway plays an important role in many people’s lives, and Basingstoke’s railway station has been a vital part of the town’s identity for over 180 years.
Through this project, QMC’s art students have created something meaningful that honours this heritage and will now become part of the town’s history moving forward, connecting past and present while celebrating Britain’s railway.
Queen Mary’s College is proud of its students, whose creativity and dedication have made a lasting contribution to the local community and Basingstoke’s heritage.
