Ron Dearing UTC art students have helped to create a large scale mural which will be seen by millions of people each year.
The mural in Hull’s Paragon Interchange has been created by city-based artist Andy Pea after TransPennine Express (TPE) commissioned him to mark the 175th anniversary of the station.
The mural reflects Hull’s rich history, including local landmarks, events, the fishing industry and key figures, celebrating the city’s culture and heritage.
Andy spent time speaking to local residents and commuters about what they’d like to see included in the mural and Ron Dearing UTC art students submitted their own designs, some of which have been incorporated into the final piece.
A group of students also worked alongside Andy to paint some of the mural, learning valuable skills and techniques from the experienced artist as they showcased their own work.
Year 12 student Ethan Beaumont, 16, who is studying Fine Art and Engineering Manufacture at Ron Dearing UTC, said: “Being involved in painting the mural was a really enjoyable experience.
“We were able to work quite freely and creatively, and it’s great to work on something which will be seen by so many people.”
Fellow Year 12 student Jessie Duncan, 16, who is studying Fine Art, 3D Design and A-level English Literature and English Language, said: “We helped to paint the base of the mural from blue through to darker colours.
“It’s very meaningful and good to be part of something which brightens up the station. I really enjoyed it and I felt honoured to work with Andy. I learnt a lot from him.”
The mural is expected to be completed imminently and will provide a thought-provoking warm welcome for millions of commuters each year.
Andy, who has been an artist for 25 years and has also produced work in the UK, Europe and Mexico, said: “The mural works like a compass. The east wall looks over the Humber and the North Sea and is focused on maritime, fishing and whaling.
“The south wall is all about wildlife and wind turbines and the west is focused on people leaving the station, including remembering soldiers who left and those leaving to go on holiday.
“The north wall includes the last bombsite in Hull on Beverley Road, bands in the city and key figures, and the well-known Rank Hovis mill on Wincolmlee.
“A lot of work has gone into it and I always feel privileged to have Ron Dearing UTC students involved in anything I do because they are fantastic students and fully engage in whatever we’re working on.
“It’s great for them to be able to say they have worked on this and it’s going to be seen by about 10 million people every year. Some artists in galleries don’t have that many people viewing their work.”
Andy has previously worked with Ron Dearing students on various projects to inspire them as they follow their creative paths.
Lynn Garland-Collins, Creative Director at Ron Dearing UTC, said: “It’s fantastic for the students to work with a practising artist on such a large scale community project.
“They have never worked on anything as big as this before and they’ve learnt so many new techniques, including the Squiggle Grid method to help upscale designs.
“The feedback from the students has been wonderful and they’ve all really enjoyed being part of it.”