Woodhouse Artworks
A local college that aims to help young people with Special Educational Needs and Disability find their place in the community, whilst building skills and confidence levels, has adopted Woodhouse station and created a series of bespoke artworks to add character and colour to the station.
Rotherham Opportunities College learners used themes such as community, the railways and the local Woodhouse area to inspire their five creations which were photographed and printed onto large aluminium composite boards in full-colour graphics. These are now displayed in the bricked-up windows of the old Station Master’s house on platform 2 with the original artworks on display at the college to represent the link between the two sites.
“The whole college was involved in this project”, says ROC teacher Nicola Lane. “Our dedicated students firstly met virtually with professional artists from ArtWorks to discuss patterns, colours and different ideas. Everyone was invested, feeling a sense of achievement and proud to make a positive contribution to the community.
“The final display is a long time in planning, achieved despite the impact of Covid-19. It is fantastic to see our pupils so enthusiastic about not only creating the art pieces but coming up with other ideas to improve the station in the future. We are so proud of them.”
ROC aims to help young people with special educational needs find their place in the community, be as independent as possible, find employment and lead healthy lives.
Director of Public Transport Operations at SYMCA, Tim Taylor, added: “The installation at Woodhouse Rail Station shows the positive impact Community Rail projects can have in engaging local people and connecting them to local transport services, as well as promoting wellbeing and inclusion within a community. It also shows how Community Rail projects can benefit the wider rail network, improving the travelling experience for everyone and creating spaces that help to reduce anti-social behaviour.
“We hope that the art works will not only provide passengers with a pleasant waiting environment, but give local people pride in Woodhouse Rail Station.”
An event to unveil the artwork and celebrate the student artists was held at the station on Friday 14 January.
Photographs from the unveiling event
