Jan 2025
A collaboration between Severnside Community Rail Partnership and Bristol based public art specialist Upfest has seen the subway at Bedminster Station brightened up with vibrant and playful artworks.
The support of councillors Ed Plowden and Lisa Stone, along with funding from Bristol City Council and Great Western Railway enabled the transformation. Themes and styles for the artwork were determined by a public consultation and local artists Paul Monsters and Lucas Antics were commissioned.
The artwork was celebrated during a special event on Monday 20th January. Among those attending were members of the Friends of Bedminster station who were delighted their station has received such a significant makeover, matching their tremendous efforts maintaining the station garden.
GWR Flagship Station Manager, Alex Hills, said:
“We’re delighted to support this project and the artwork by Lucas Antics and Paul has helped transform the underpass at Bedminster station and given it a striking uplift. I’d encourage people to take a trip down to the station to take a look for themselves.”
Faye Keane from Severnside Community Rail Partnership said:
“The new artworks reflect the creative community that surrounds the station, which has been dubbed Bristol’s Arts Quarter. It’s been a pleasure to collaborate with Upfest to enhance the station and hope to encourage more visitors to come visit the area by train.”
Cllr Lisa Stone, councillor for Windmill Hill, said:
“Ed Plowden and I were pleased to secure contributions from local developers for these murals, so as to improve the station experience. It has been a pleasure to improve the local station in partnership with the rail industry and working locally with Upfest. We were impressed with the quality and quantity of designs that we had to choose from, and are confident that the neighbouring community will be proud of them.”
Alex Lucas of Lucas Antics, a previous artist at the Upfest festival, said:
“I’ve loved working in Bedminster for the last couple of weeks. The underpass is a space that people use every day, so being able to brighten it up with a mural that reflects both the history and the future of this community is an incredible opportunity. The brief called for an artwork that would create a welcoming and vibrant gateway to Bedminster, and we’ve included local wildlife, familiar landmarks, and the spirit of togetherness in our designs. I hope our work adds a little bit of joy and inspiration to everyone who comes through here.”
Images by Colin Moody (colin@weareplaster.com)
GWR Customer Ambassadors Anthony and Claire checking out the new work.
Artists Paul ‘Monsters’ Roberts, Alex and Paul a.k.a Lucas Antics…plus Peggy the dog!
Councillor Ed Plowden getting a tour from Steve Hayles from Upfest.