The Thomas Brassey Statue project celebrates the legacy of the 19th-century railway builder by installing a commemorative statue at Chester railway station. As part of the Railway 200 anniversary, the project honours Brassey’s monumental contributions to global rail construction while enhancing Chester’s cultural landscape and supporting regeneration efforts. The statue, unveiled in May 2025, also aims to inspire local pride, tourism and education.
Project Brief
The project involved commissioning and erecting a statue of Thomas Brassey at Chester railway station, addressing his under-recognition in his hometown despite his pivotal role in railway history. It forms part of a broader heritage and regeneration initiative, integrating public art into transport infrastructure and marks the 200th anniversary of the railways. The statue provides a focal point for local history, education, and tourism while complementing Chester’s City Gateway scheme.
Aims and Objectives
1. Recognise and celebrate Brassey’s vital contributions to global railway construction, particularly in the UK.
Install a permanent statue at Chester railway station, where Brassey had a direct historical impact.
Raise awareness of Brassey’s achievements among local residents, rail users and visitors.
Correct the historical oversight of Brassey’s lack of public recognition in his hometown.
2. Contribute to the cultural and aesthetic environment of the station through meaningful public art.
Integrate the statue with existing heritage elements, such as the interpretation panel and surrounding architecture.
Complement Chester City Council’s broader public art objectives and urban design strategy.
Provide a high-quality, accessible sculpture that enhances the station’s appeal to visitors and commuters alike.
3. Mark the 200th Anniversary of the modern railway – Railway 200
Time the statue’s unveiling with the bicentennial celebrations of the UK’s railways.
Link the project with national events and campaigns promoting railway history and innovation.
Use the milestone as a catalyst for community engagement and historical education.
4. Align the project with urban renewal goals to boost economic and social vitality.
Contribute to the Chester City Gateway scheme by enhancing the area’s cultural capital.
Increase the attractiveness of the station area to investors, tourists and the local community.
Create a lasting asset that supports place-making and local development.
5. Make the statue a distinctive local landmark that attracts visitors and instills community pride.
Establish the statue as a focal point for guided tours and independent heritage trails.
Encourage local engagement through events, photo opportunities and interpretive signage.
Reinforce Chester’s identity as a city with deep historical roots and notable figures.
6. Inspire learning and participation through the life and legacy of Thomas Brassey.
Use the statue as a springboard for wider historical, cultural and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) learning.
Partners
The Thomas Brassey Society – Lead and main fundraiser of the project
3 Counties Connected Community Rail Partnership – Funding
Community Rail Network – Community Rail Development Fund
Avanti West Coast – Funding
Transport for Wales – Funding
The Thomas Brassey Society received additional support and funding from the following partners (this is not an exhaustive list):
Chester West and Chester Council – Chester Civic Trust – Public Statues & Sculptors Association – Highway Authority – Network Rail – Heap and Partners Ltd – Brassey Charitable Trust – Couch Charitable Trust – Tyler Charitable Trust – Aurelius Charitable Trust – Henderson Family Trust – Late Holyoke Historical Society – Solid Ground – Community Rail Partnerships – Funding Consultant – Sculptor Andrew Edwards
Project Delivery
The Thomas Brassey Society led the project from inception, securing charitable status to improve funding potential. More than £105,000 was raised, with sculptor Andrew Edwards selected after a public feedback process involving 500 participants. The work was carried out by Castle Arts Foundry, with over a dozen professionals contributing to its creation.
The statue complements existing interpretive elements at the station and has already become a local landmark. The official unveiling on 28 May 2025, attended by Prince Richard, HRH Duke of Gloucester, and Pete Waterman, drew over 300 guests. Public and professional feedback highlighted the high craftsmanship and historical accuracy, particularly the 19th-century map in Brassey’s hand.
The project not only enriches the station environment but also stimulates economic growth, educational activities and civic pride, serving as a model for collaborative community development.
