Two works of art have been installed at Alderley Edge Station to brighten up the wall on the Manchester bound platform.
Organised by the Alderley Edge Station Volunteer group, the digitally created montages are the work of Stockport based artist Eamonn Murphy. They depict landmarks close to each station on the Crewe to Manchester line with each one featuring an iconic Alderley Edge building.
Group co-ordinator Kelvin Briggs said "We want to make the station a more welcoming gateway to the village and this is our first project. Hopefully local residents, visitors and rail passengers will enjoy the images and the future plant displays we have planned."
He added "We chose the Queens Court building frontage because it was once the old Queen's Hotel with a railway heritage going back to 1844 when built by the London and North-Western Railway Company."
Artist Eamonn Murphy commented "Alderley Edge Community Primary School is a splendid building, with some interesting variations in brickwork patterns, lovely tracery, prominent bell tower and delightful ornamentation. It's a hidden gem!"
The boards have been funded by donations from group members, a contribution from the Waitrose Community Matters scheme and support from the Crewe to Manchester Community Rail Partnership. Northern Rail and the Department for Transport will be helping fund future platform planters and flower displays.
The Station volunteer group will also be donating a framed print to the Community Primary School, pictured above, to support their fundraising for improved sports facilities.
The Station group are currently raising funds for future projects including more art works, and new volunteers are very welcome to join in. Contact Kelvin Briggs for more information.
Comments
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Many congratulations to the Alderley Edge Station Volunteer Group, to Kelvin Briggs and to the artist Eamonn Murphy. Brilliant work!
The Alderley Edge Station Volunteer Group are applying this week for a grant from the Community Rail Network organisation to part fund 3 more pieces of art to be installed at the station next year with digital images of Higham's iconic Aldeli building, The Festival Hall and Nether Alderley Mill.
The group have also been pressing Northern Railway to pull forward a redecoration date for the station buildings and repairs to decaying woodwork. The aim is to make the station a more welcoming and attractive hub.
The heritage lamp post on the station pathway from Heyes Lane down to the station will hopefully be made to work again to light the rather dark pathway. It appears responsibility for its maintenance passed from the railway to the Council in 2011 The station group are pressing both the Council and Network Rail to agree the current responsibility for the lamp and to get it fixed . I’m sure everyone would like to see the path made safer for nighttime users.
As with most voluntary groups trying to grow pride in the village funding is so very important . The group are actively seeking donations so more positive outcomes can be achieved at the station .
If you can help by giving your time to volunteer or sponsor some artwork please get in touch.