Local Students Artwork Unveiled at Blackpool Pleasure Beach station
Armfield Academy Year 10 Art students have been working imaginatively with their art teacher, Mr J Evans, and professional Lancashire fine artist and photographer, Diane Muldowney, to create a striking display designed to brighten up Blackpool Pleasure Beach station platform.
BPB_Armfield Year 10 art students with Whistle and Nell, the dogs and partners
The official unveiling was on 30th April, attended by railway partners and the dedicated Station Friends group. The students were particularly excited with the attendance of Whistle the Dog, Northern’s mascot, and a member of the station group… four-legged friend, ‘Nell’ – All celebrating the students’ creativity and achievement.
Martin Keating, Community and Sustainability Manager commented: “It’s a pleasure to showcase the artwork created by Armfield Academy – it brings a cheer to the railway station for all to enjoy”.
The impressive artwork forms part of the students’ GCSE portfolios and captures both the station and nearby attractions. The students have taken inspiration from artists they have researched – French illustrator, now based in Brighton, Claire Rolett, and American, Robert Rauschenberg, who led the way to what we know today as Pop Art. The students also explored cyanotype techniques with Diane, using photographic negatives to invent distinctive prints.
Getting ready for the installation, the Station Friends group – established just over a year ago – painted fencing and worked to improve the overall appearance of the station, helping to cultivate a more welcoming environment for passengers and pride in this local space.
Tony Ford, the South Fylde Line Community Rail Partnership Chair said “I am very pleased to see yet another step in the development of Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach station. This artwork contributes to making this station even more attractive and welcoming.”
Visit the link below to view the artwork and learn more about the artists that inspired the students: https://communityraillancashire.co.uk/welcome-to-blackpool-pleasure-beach/.
This project has been funded by the Community Rail Network through the DfT’s Community Rail Development Fund; Community Rail Lancashire and South Fylde Line CRP.
