Virgin Trains provides the setting for artists to shine

Virgin Trains has provided a stunning and iconic setting for an art exhibition about North East people and places.

Newcastle Central Station is a key gateway to the region and one of its most recognisable buildings – and it has today hosted the inaugural “Northbound” exhibition.

Northbound is a celebration of the North East through art past and present and aims to showcase the region to the thousands of commuters and visitors who arrive into the station, which is managed by Virgin Trains.

The train operator has worked in partnership with Northbound organiser loveartnortheast, whose Creative Director, Lesley McNish, said: “Northbound is showcasing the North East in a really positive light at one of its main gateways, in this beautiful historic city building. We're not only showing the region's landscapes, buildings and landmarks, but also some of its history, its vast talent and fabulous venues.

“It's also a great opportunity for local artists because it's not often they get the chance for their work to be seen by thousands of people in one day!”

Through a variety of art mediums, a dozen artists have exhibited across the station. Their work includes clay sculptures of miners’ heads emerging from pits, lithographs of the cranes from the Tyne’s shipyards, and a painting of the former Gateshead car park which appeared in the cult film Get Carter.

Young Newcastle-based artist Sam Wood exhibited his painting of Sunderland fans outside the station on derby day in March this year. Sam, 22, from Heaton, said: “I wanted to get a snapshot of the passion and emotion of a Tyne and Wear derby, and certainly got this with Sunderland fans marching towards the station after the match.”

Newcastle's Lord Mayor Councillor Hazel Stephenson, who visited the exhibition, said: “It’s fantastic to see this art, which has been created in, and inspired by the region. It's great to see it in such an iconic and culturally important building for Newcastle and the North East.”

Louise Rutherford, who manages Newcastle Central Station for Virgin Trains, said: “Virgin Trains is proud to support customers and communities on its east coast route, and we’re delighted to help host this event and give the artists a chance to shine in this fantastic Grade 1 listed building. It’s steeped in history and provides a great setting for this exhibition.”