CRL - Community Rail Lancashire

Moss Side station adopter, Peter Fitton and his granddaughter Katie have been brightening up Moss Side Station with their artwork since 2019, gradually transforming the concrete wall panels into colourful murals.

They have painted 17 panels, each over 6ft tall, beginning by thoroughly cleaning and preparing the horizontal slats using a wire brush to scrape away any dirt and loose material, creating a suitable surface for painting. The panels were then primed using two coats of watered-down PVA glue at a ratio of approximately 5:1, helping to seal and prepare them for painting.

 

Once the panels were dry and ready, masonry acrylic paints were used to create the murals. Peter helped with applying the background colours and has also played an important role in maintaining and touching up the paintings over the years. Katie then added the more detailed designs and wildlife, including butterflies, birds, horses and Hector the dog, creating a bright and welcoming scene for passengers using the station.

NOTES

Hector the Dog

Hector lives next door at the old Station Master’s house with his owner, Brian, who suggested that Katie paint Hector at the station. Once she had finished the painting, Hector came along to have a look at his portrait — and seemed to approve!

Bambi

While deciding what to paint on one of the panels, Peter asked two children from a local family who were waiting for a train what they would like to see. They suggested Bambi. The painting was inspired by their suggestion, as well as the deer that can sometimes be spotted around the local area.

Ruby and Adie

 This panel features two much-loved horses, Ruby and Adie. Ruby belonged to Brian, who lives next to the station, while Adie shared her stable. Both horses have sadly passed away, and Brian thought it would be lovely to have them reunited at the station. Using photographs, Katie painted them as exact copies of the real horses. When Brian saw the finished mural, he was tearful as they looked so much like the horses he remembered.

Welcome to Moss Side

The final panel was inspired by an idea of Katie’s. She wanted the first painted panel passengers see to give them a warm welcome to the station, hence the words ‘Welcome to Moss Side’. Colourful flowers weave through the lettering, introducing the bright mural designs found throughout the station.

A Shared Passion

Peter Fitton said:“Painting Moss Side Station has given us the opportunity to share our passion for art and photography, while spending quality time together and doing something positive for the local community. We have loved watching the station gradually come to life over the past seven years, one panel at a time, and it has been incredibly rewarding to know that the artwork brings colour, character and joy to everyone who passes through Moss Side Station.”