​Thameslink celebrates art trail partnership by taking cows on a train

A life-size fibreglass cow and two ‘mini moos’ were the centre of attention as they travelled on a Thameslink train around Cambridge to celebrate the rail operator’s partnership with an upcoming art trail.

Much to the amusement of fellow passengers, the bovine rail users boarded a mid-morning train at Cambridge, travelling up to Cambridge North station and back on October 17. Their round trip was in celebration of Thameslink being named the Official Travel Partner for the quirky art trail, Cows about Cambridge.

As well as being the Official Travel Partner, Thameslink has sponsored two life-size cow sculptures for the art trail, which will see 50 large cow sculptures appear in the city’s streets, parks and open spaces. One of Thameslink’s cows will take pride of place at Cambridge railway station, while the other will be out grazing in the city centre.

The idea for Cows about Cambridge is to bring communities together with creativity and encourage people to get outdoors and rediscover their city. The free, family-friendly art trail will run from March 30 to June 6 2020, after which many of the sculptures will be auctioned off to raise money for children's charity Break, including those sponsored by Thameslink. 

Thameslink and Great Northern Managing Director Tom Moran said: “GTR is very excited to be the Official Travel Partner of Cows about Cambridge, and it was great to take some of the cows for a ride on one of our trains! We hope the event will inspire the local community and attract visitors from further afield.”

Thameslink picked two artists to bring its cows to life – Emily Pettitte and Sian Ellis.

Freelance illustrator Emily, who is studying for her MA with Falmouth University, said: “I have created a design which I hope is both as exciting and engaging close up as it is when viewed at a distance."

Illustrator and mural artist Sian, who is based in Yorkshire, said: “My style is playful, bold and promotes positivity. I draw and paint what makes me happy in the hope that it can make other people smile too. I am really excited to be working with Thameslink on this project. I don’t want to give too much away about the design, but it celebrates the city of Cambridge.”

Cows about Cambridge is delivered by creative producers, Wild in Art in partnership with Break, and supported by inaugural sponsor and Principal Partner, Cambridge Business Improvement District (BID).

Julie Gaskell, Head of Partnerships at Wild in Art, said: “We are completely delighted to have Thameslink on board as Cows about Cambridge’s Official Travel Partner. The cows caused a huge stir and raised lots of smiles during their recent ‘cow-mute’.

“Thanks to talented artists like Emily and Sian and the support of businesses, a whole herd of these 3D canvases will soon be creating a fun, outdoor art gallery for families to explore. We have just a handful of cows left to sponsor, plus some mini moos looking for schools. So be quick if you too want to join in this impactful public art initiative.”

For more information about the art trail and the organisations involved, please visit https://cowsaboutcambridge.co.uk/

For information on special rail fare deals, including £2 tickets for children and discounts for group travel, visit https://www.thameslinkrailway.com/destinations-and-offers

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