A VIBRANT and meaningful piece of artwork, celebrating 200 years of the modern railway, has been unveiled by pupils of Ysgol Y Waun in collaboration with Welsh artist Rhiannon Roberts.
The project was made possible through the generous funding from the 3 Counties Connected Community Rail Partnership (CRP) and Transport for Wales as part of their Railway 200 Programme.
The impressive mural, measuring 1.2 meters by 2.4 meters, showcases the pupils’ unique perspective on their hometown of Chirk and its connection to railway heritage. Adding a special touch to the project, the timber for the mural was kindly donated and delivered by the local Chirk branch of Builders Merchant, Jewsons. This heartwarming contribution came about after Lee, a member of the Jewsons staff, discovered his former primary school was undertaking the artwork and enthusiastically offered their support.
The artwork features Ysgol Y Waun at its heart, symbolising the central role of the school within the Chirk community. Radiating outwards from this focal point are a diverse array of images, symbols and words representing what is special to the pupils about their local area. These elements, carefully chosen and creatively rendered, highlight Chirk’s culture, history and natural beauty, all interwoven with the significance of the railway.
Rhiannon Roberts of Rhiannon Art Ltd worked closely with the pupils, guiding them through the creative process from initial concept development to the final brushstrokes. The collaboration provided a valuable opportunity for the children to express their artistic talents, learn more about their local heritage and contribute to a lasting piece of public art.
Josie Rayworth, Community Rail Officer for the 3 Counties Connected CRP said: “It was a real privilege to be part of the mural project with Ysgol y Waun. The school gave us such a warm welcome, and it was fantastic to meet the pupils and see their enthusiasm firsthand.
“I was really pleased to have a go myself, it was great fun to get involved! Huge thanks to Rhiannon Art for doing such an amazing job bringing the mural to life and helping celebrate Welsh culture and language, Railway 200 and our areas railway heritage.”
Nichola Morgan, Foundation Phase Lead at Ysgol Y Waun said: “We were absolutely delighted when Josie Rayworth from 3 Counties Connected CRP funded this incredible art project for us at Ysgol Y Waun.
“We are incredibly grateful that our Criw Cymraeg had this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to collaborate with the talented artist Rhiannon Roberts.
“The outstanding mural, which beautifully depicts our local community and Welsh heritage, will be proudly displayed on our Foundation Phase site. A heartfelt thank you for turning our dream into a reality.”
Dr Louise Moon, Wales & Borders Railway 200 Programme Lead said: “This artwork creates a great legacy for the Railway 200 Programmes in Chirk and is a great example showcasing the connections between the railways, communities and our future generations.”
The announcement of the unveiling takes place during Community Rail Week, organised by Community Rail Network and sponsored by Rail Delivery Group, a nationwide campaign shining the spotlight on the inspiring work that goes on in community rail, bringing people together and creating more inclusive communities and mobility, as well as the wider socio-economic benefit that the railways deliver.
