Features / Montpelier
Schoolchildren help repaint Montpelier station
Montpelier is already one of the most colourful railway stations in the UK, and thanks to Bristol street artist Silent Hobo and pupils from local schools it is currently getting even more vibrant.
Silent Hobo’s new designs show the four seasons and features familiar aspects of Bristol and nature.
is needed now More than ever
Some of the first children to help add colour within his black and white designs were from The Dolphin School, who were helped by UWE Bristol student volunteers Faye, Sophie and Rosin.
The artist will be joined by more groups from the local community as the art comes together throughout the week.
The man behind the artwork, Bristol street artist Silent Hobo. Photograph by Erin Thomas
“It’s going to be done in certain colours, so we’ve got blues and pinks and yellows to oranges and reds at the end for autumn,” Silent Hobo told Bristol24/7.
“You have a bit of local Bristol life in there, with guys and girls just hanging out in the city. You’ve got wildlife that lives close to here too, like badgers which live opposite Montpelier station, and kingfishers and deer.”
Students from The Dolphin School help to add colour to Silent Hobo’s design. Photograph by Erin Thomas
“It will be a nice positive message to see in the morning,” he adds. “The idea is to have something colourful, which everyone can enjoy and brightens up the station.”
“We’re just trying to mix it all up a bit, with things that people can relate to. My work is trying to give out a positive vibe, rather than something that’s just gnarly or crazy. It’s all about the design and working together.”
As well as the students, other community groups will be helping to fill in detail as the mural progresses. Photograph by Erin Thomas
Outlines by Silent Hobo waiting to be filled in by the local students. Photograph by Erin Thomas
The first stage of the wall featuring some local residents – Montpelier’s badgers. Photograph by Erin Thomas
Like the station building, the new artwork has been commissioned by Severnside Community Rail Partnership, a community interest company that works with local communities to encourage the use of local trains, to ensure that access to local stations is easy, and to enhance these stations so they provide a safe and welcoming environment.
Here is a timelapse video from last year’s work:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
