Regular train passengers at Chelford Station will have no doubt spotted the new artworks that have appeared in the platform. These superb creations are by students from nearby Chelford C of E Primary School in a project to mark the 200-year anniversary of railways in Britain, which was celebrated countrywide in 2026.
The art project was a collaborative effort between the Friends of Chelford Station, the school and the team from Crewe to Manchester Community Rail Partnership (C2M CRP), with support from Northern.
School children get to work!
Headteacher Andy Brady, who oversaw the project at the school, said “Chelford Station is such an asset to the village that we jumped at the chance to be lend our pupils’ artistic talents to help brighten up the platform!”
He continues: “We knew that the pupils would adore seeing and sharing their artwork with family and friends, and that this project would help them to develop their understanding of citizenship and what it means to be an active and contributing member of the village. We hope that our children will always feel that Chelford is their home, wherever life’s adventures take them!”
The whole school was involved in the project, with art from class two and three ultimately chosen for display at the station. The first piece, created by students in class two, represents components of early locomotives and draws inspiration from the work of the Pop artist, Jim Dine (see below).
The second artwork (top image) was created by slightly older students in class three. This is a mural, inspired by David Hockney, and is based on the route of the trainline between Manchester Piccadilly and Chelford.
Happy customers
Andy Gildon, from Friends of Chelford Station – who were delighted with their new artworks for their station platform – notes: “This mural contains many hidden historical, literary and geographical references. It’s a puzzle that viewers can try to solve while waiting for the train!”
He says “both works have added vibrancy and interest to our otherwise mundane station architecture! We’re so pleased that the school and the children wanted to do this for us. It’s a special way to commemorate the Railway 200 anniversary.”
Sarah Morgan, Regional Community & Sustainability Manager at Northern said “Northern welcomes artworks which are created by the community, giving our stations a meaningful connection to their local area and enhancing the space for our customers.
We were delighted to hear about this collaboration between Chelford Primary School, the C2M CRP and Friends of Chelford Station as an addition to the fantastic work already being carried out by the Friends group to maintain the planters and green spaces at the station.”
John Kenny, from C2M CRP, added “I was delighted to be involved with a project like this. It’s definitely one of the best parts of my job to help connect a community with their local station and the railways. Andy and his stude2nts have done such a wonderful job and the art is a real asset for Chelford Station.”
The schoolchildren have had a trip to the station to admire their artworks in their new home – why not take a trip and see them for yourself?