The operator of Hitchin’s train services has installed a pair of dramatic murals to brighten the station’s subway for passengers.
The two murals, each 15 metres long, tell the town’s history since the mid-19th century using around 200 photographs from the North Herts Museum’s collection.
The artworks were created by community and environmental charity Groundwork East. Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), parent company of Great Northern and Thameslink, has commissioned the charity to carry out community art and landscaping projects at 19 Great Northern and Thameslink stations. Their projects are part of GTR’s multimillion-pound, network-wide station improvement programme.
Groundwork East’s Assistant Landscape Architect Becca Huggins and Project Assistant Eliza Morris designed the photographic collages, working with the Museum’s Assistant Curator Matthew Platt. They arranged the copies of the pictures provided by Matt into 11 varied topics important to the market town, including Agriculture, “Captured Moments”, Football, Shops and War. The oldest photograph dates from the 1850s.
Becca Huggins said “This was a lovely project to work on, as it brings to life the rich history of the town, whilst improving the station’s subway, making a better commute for all. It’s great to see the pieces come to life and to create a better place for the local community. Connecting people with places and bringing communities together is what Groundwork is all about, and this installation really achieves that.”
Matthew Platt said: “We’re really pleased to have so much of our photograph collection on show, making such a difference for rail passengers. Groundwork has done a fantastic job. Although the pictures of unknown people are fascinating, some of my favourites are those we have a bit of background knowledge about, such as basket-maker George Day, who is shown at work in his tiny shop. Another striking photo from the Captured Moments section shows supporters of the MP Dr Hillier, gathered to cheer his 1910 election victory.
“The Football pictures have an interesting back story because what’s believed to be the world’s first museum of football was founded in Hitchin – its collection of almost 1,000 objects was donated to our museum in the 1970s.”
MP for Hitchin and Harpenden Bim Afolami visited the station on Friday [6 August] to see the mural and meet its creators, and for an update on other improvements at the station, which has been provided with new information screens and secure cycle parking.
Karen Gregson, Area Manager for Great Northern and Thameslink said: “On behalf of our customers and colleagues at Hitchin, I’m delighted to thank Groundwork East and North Herts Museum for bringing their brilliant idea to life with this spectacular artwork. It’s a really evocative expression of Hitchin’s identity that helps make the station feel part of the community we serve. And it’s the crowning glory for improvements we’ve made at the station including new information screens and secure cycle parking.”
Photo credit: Peter Alvey
