Marston Vale

For this commission I created three unique, site specific artworks for three Class 230 trains. These are up cycled tube trains, transformed to overground hybrid trains for the Marston Vale line which runs from Bletchley – Bedford.

The artworks reference historical/heritage links, personal stories, the surrounding landscapes and its meaningfulness to people who use the route, going beyond the obvious ‘tourist’ landscapes to encourage people to look at their surroundings through a new lens.

I visited the new trains being built in Long Marston by the amazing engineers at Vivarail on the hottest day of the summer.  It was sweltering and I could barely concentrate to measure up. To experience these new/old trains for the first time was a privilege.

I spent the late summer traveling along the line, speaking with people who lived and worked between Bletchley and Bedford, using a visual ‘Mind Map’ and special train ticket to record conversations with the public, passengers, volunteers and staff that have a relationship with the route/s.

These conversations are now reflected in the enormous colourful drawings which feature in the trains. Beautiful flowers tended to by volunteers along the platforms, important and memorable architectural features, some no longer with us, some very much part of British history. References to global industries past and present, along with an abundance of wildlife seen by myself and many of the drivers and conductors I spoke to. I wanted to capture the spirit and the passion that people feel for this line, bringing to life features that are unique and some that reflect personal and special memories. All of these images and colours were inspired by the conversations I had with people and I am truly grateful for their knowledge and willingness to share stories and memories

Artwork Themes

Each artwork is themed to the route  – Wildlife Whispers relates to the whole of Marston Vale – Secrets Sounds relates to Bletchley and Brickline Landscape relates to Bedford. Each artwork spans the entire exterior perimeter wall and doors of the universal access toilet within the trains, with a distinctive and recognisable design change on the automatic door as it was imperative in the design brief that there was a recognisable distinction between wall and door.