Launch of Art @ the Station Basingstoke

Art @ the Station, Basingstoke

The Arts Society Basingstoke has worked with SWR and Reading and Basingstoke Community Rail Partnership to create an exhibition space for young artists to display their work to the public. Local Schools and Colleges are invited to contribute Artwork to the Waiting Rooms on platform 1 and platform 4 at Basingstoke Railway Station. We hope this will enhance the travelling experience of passengers as well as celebrate the achievements of young people.

On Tuesday 8th March students from Basingstoke College of Technology who are taking the level 3 subsidiary diploma in Art and Design course, came to the station to see their work on display. The students were inspired by objects and artifacts at the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford to produce colourful and vibrant pieces using a wide range of printing techniques. These included screen printing, etching, heat press printing, lino, and mono printing. Everyone has been delighted by the results!

Lucy Lomax, Project Officer - Basingstoke to Reading Community Rail Partnership said: 

‘What a great project to be involved with. I am blown away by the talent of the students from BCOT and that Basingstoke station is the first outside space they are using to exhibit their work.'  

From empty walls in the waiting rooms to art galleries in such a short space of time is so exciting.’ 

Jenny Keen Flagship Station Manager at Basingstoke station said: ‘Oh my goodness!  I am overwhelmed with how this has evolved and cannot thank you enough. It’s great to be able to work with the community and to showcase some amazing artwork in our station waiting rooms. I am looking forward to seeing what the next project will bring.’

 Jessica Connor – BCOT Student said: 'Thousands of people seeing my work! This is scary.' 

Tom Chalwin – BCOT Student said: 'Cool exciting and colourful and it’s my best work yet!' 

 Rebecca George - Lecturer in Art and Design from BCOT said:

'Learners involved in this opportunity have enjoyed contributing to the community. We are proud to have our work in such a prominent place. A great platform for art. Students are proud to get their work on show to the general public. Great to show the diversity of materials we use. So exciting to get the work out of the classroom and on show where it should be. Great to encourage everyone to get into art'. 

 Anonymous student comments

'I like adding a bit of expression to people’s everyday life.'

'Very cool and something I did not expect – makes me feel very professional.'