It’s ‘full steam ahead’ for Year 8 pupils at The Hollins, Accrington – showcasing the history of the railway from its start to an ever greener future!
Unveiled at Accrington Station on Wednesday 27th September was a beautifully constructed piece of artwork undertaken by The Hollins pupils under the artistic and research guidance of Community Artist, Karen Allerton. It visually shows the social progress made from the introduction of the railways to the ways the industry continues to move forward and become an ever greener transport choice.
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- Pupils with Ian Davies, Community Rail Network, Karen Allerton, the artist, Caroline Holden, from CRL, Martin Keating, Northern Railway, Community & Sustainablity Manager, funders
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- Steam to Green artwork with the Hollins pupils, Karen Allerton, the artist
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- Hollins pupil Georgia speaking about the project at the unveiling
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- The Hollins pupils holding a copy of the Steam to Green artwork presented to their school in the Eco Hub
“It’s a great piece of artwork which has been developed with the community” explained Mike Cliffe, Chair of the East Lancashire Community Rail Partnership and Rail Development Manager at Lancashire County Council. “The artistry displayed by the pupils work undertaken with Karen, alongside the content and pictures showing the railway through the ages, is captivating – we thank Northern Railways for funding this project.”
“I’m pleased to see it’s displayed in the Station’s Booking Office where it can be viewed from the comfort of indoors. There is so much to look at and find out through this artwork, which will add much to the travelling experience by rail in this part of East Lancashire”.
Craig Harrop, Regional Director for Northern, said: “Karen’s collaboration with the students from The Hollins has created a beautiful – and important – piece of art to highlight the progression of the rail industry over 200 years. It’s a great addition to Accrington station and something that I’m sure our passengers will enjoy admiring when using the station.
”Mr Waqar Ahmed, Extended Schools Co-Ordinator said, “We were delighted Hollins was invited to be involved in this project. It has introduced our pupils to the rail industry and the career potential within it, as well as extending their art, history and research skills.”
“Going by train to visit the local railway exhibition currently at Clitheroe Castle, the tour of the trains at the National Railway Museum in York and the talks by the railway historians from the national organisation Community Rail Network, has helped our pupils to feel confident travelling by train, understanding the part the rail network has played in our local history and the progress being made towards greening our transport! It has been very exciting for all involved and we can’t wait for our careers talk with the Station Manager in October and the Northern rail trip we’re planning too!”
After the unveiling of the artwork, everyone visited the Eco Hub at The Bunker, offices of Community Rail Lancashire for refreshments, including cake!