Youngsters’ art brightens up station

BY TOBY PORTER toby@slpmedia.co.uk

Children left their mark on the future by having their artwork installed at a rail station.

Pupils of Dulwich Hamlet Junior School helped Southern launched its latest station partnership on Monday by putting their pictures on display at North Dulwich.

The stop is now the 67th station to join the scheme in which local people help better integrate their transport hub into the community.

The seven to 11-year-olds recently created 14 displays which are positioned in the arches along the side of each platform.

Southwark council funded the frames through a grant of £5,000 from its ‘Cleaner, Greener, Safer” fund.

The art is designed by the students around a number of topics, including the works of particular artists, and was initially displayed as part of the school’s art exhibit. It will remain on display all year.

Headteacher Claire Purcell said: “We are so proud of the children’s achievement and having the opportunity to showcase this excellent art for anyone travelling through the station or arriving from further afield. The children’s art is only shown for a short time at our school exhibit, and we thank Southern for this chance to showcase it for a lot longer, particularly to family members who can’t always make it to the main event.”

Southern station manager Stephen Lethorn said: “I’m so pleased with the artwork, and thank the kids for their hard work. There is a lot of wonderful talent on show and I really appreciate the efforts everyone has put in.

“It makes such a difference to our passengers and adds lovely colour across the platforms. We have already seen a reduction in graffiti at the station, which is another really positive outcome.”

Councillor Jane Lyons said: “It’s great to see the funds from Southwark’s Cleaner, Greener, Safer fund put to such creative and long-lasting use. The art is fantastic and will cheer all passengers using the station, especially as many of us have family connections with the Hamlet School already. Dulwich Hamlet Junior School is going from strength to strength and we are very proud to have them in our ward. “

And of course Dulwich is already famous for its art – we are home to the Dulwich Picture Gallery and many visitors to the gallery pass through North Dulwich station so it’s a great welcome to the area.”