Network Rail has launched an exhibition showcasing work from the next generation of artists that celebrates the return of rail travel.
Earlier this year, Network Rail launched a competition titled “Wish I was There”, asking art students from across the UK to create work that reflected the places they had missed travelling to during the pandemic – whether it be a town, city or beach, a shopping street or even just a pub or a park – a place that meant something special to them.
Sir Peter Hendy CBE, chair of Network Rail, said: “The standard of art submitted has been beyond exceptional and reflects how much we have all missed travelling by rail. I thank all the artists who have taken the time to submit their work that has paid homage to the places that they have missed travelling to.
“The railway has a long history of creating works of art to promote the destinations that people can travel to by train, and the art submitted completely and utterly reflects that. This art will become a part of history, documenting what has been an unprecedented time for all of us.”
100 submissions were selected, judged by a panel that included artist Jacqueline Colley, who teaches at the Victoria and Albert Museum. They will be exhibited at major mainline stations across the country.
The top 20 winners are:
Dina Aldrich – The Norfolk Coast and beyond
Louise Allen – North Yorkshire coast
Chris Bunn – Llandudno Promenade
M A Chamberlain – Drumochter Pass, the highest point on the rail network
Marlya Darr – Sandals and the Sea
Esther Forse – Edinburgh
Laura Hurn – Glenfinnan viaduct
Jazz Lawrence – Canterbury Downs
Nataliia Marchuk – Chester Sunset
Emma McMillan – Edinburgh Castle
Amandine Mondion – London is my cup of tea
Elbo Parkes – Lyme Regis
Claudia Elestabeta Prospescu – By the sea in Suffolk
JJ Raines – Nothing like fresh lobster
Shakiba Raiki – Welcome back to Chinatown
Leah Risby – St Michael’s Mount
Andrea Stables – The Lakes
Ase Vikse – Dover
Catlin Whitaker – The Tyne Bridge
Abi Winter – The town of Britain
