A mural project led by 3 Counties Connected Community Rail Partnership and Ysgol Y Waun celebrating 200 years of the modern railway through student-led artwork. In collaboration with a local artist, Rhiannon Art, pupils will explore Welsh heritage and railway history, resulting in a permanent mural to be installed at the school.
Project Brief
To commemorate the bicentenary of the railways, the 3 Counties Connected Community Rail Partnership will partner with Ysgol Y Waun primary school to deliver a creative, educational project that engages students in exploring Welsh cultural identity and the legacy of the railway. A local artist will be commissioned to guide pupils through a creative art session, focusing the things that are important to them in their community and how the railway connects their community to Wales and borders.
The school’s involvement was driven by its Criw Celf programme, which nurtures artistic talent among more able and talented pupils through structured awards and hands-on experiences. The mural project has been built on this framework, allowing children to contribute directly to a piece of public art, while learning about their local heritage.
The mural will offer a lasting tribute to the importance of the railway in shaping the local area and identity. The project supports wider Railway 200 celebrations and encourages pride, creativity and historical awareness among young people and the wider community.
Aims and Objectives
1. To engage young people in learning about their local heritage through art and history.
To involve Ysgol Y Waun Primary School students in the design and creation of the mural through student-led workshops guided by a professional artist.
To support the school’s progression in the Crew Celf awards.
To provide students with opportunities to visit the Station Adopters at Chirk railway station and take a train trip to learn about railway heritage and travel.
2. To foster community pride and participation in celebrating Welsh culture, language and railways.
To display the mural in a prominent position to maximise community engagement and visibility.
To create a lasting public artwork that enhances the local environment.
3. To commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the modern railways and its impact on Wales and border.
To create a permanent mural celebrating 200 years of railways and Welsh heritage.
4. To establish an intergenerational connection.
To build links between the students of the school and the Friends of Chirk railway station through visits to the station to learn about what they do an how their work as volunteers has a positive impact on the community.
Partners
Transport for Wales – Funding as part of their Railway 200 Programme
3 Counties Connected Community Rail Partnership – Funding
Rhiannon Art Ltd – Artist
Ysgol Y Waun – School
Friends of Chirk Railway Station – Station Adopters for Chirk railway station
Project Delivery
Rhiannon Art provided one whole day session with the students at Ysgol Y Waun Primary School, bringing her own art materials.
The timber for the mural was kindly donated and delivered by the local Chirk branch of Builders Merchant, Jewsons. This generous contribution came about after Lee, a member of the Jewsons staff, discovered his former primary school was undertaking the artwork and offered their support.
Students were invited to take part in the art session in small groups, each having equal opportunities to discuss, sketch and paint a section of the mural expressing their individual connection to the community and its railway.
The students were actively involved throughout the session, contributing their ideas, sketches and designs elements, directly influencing the final mural artwork and fostering a strong sense of ownership.
Once complete, Rhiannon Art treated the mural so that it was long lasting and weather proof ready to be positioned in place outside.
An official unveiling took place and alongside staff and students were the Friends of Chirk railway station who took their time to talk to the students about the project.
