BRIAN BLESSED ART ARRIVES AT TRAIN STATION IN TIME FOR GALLERY REFRESH

On Friday 23rd October Rotherham’s Mayor Maggi Clark unveiled new artistic Welcome to Rotherham signs at Rotherham train station, South Yorkshire.
Embraced and assisted by Northern Rail and SYPTE the signs form part of the wider Gallery Town project, an independent not-for-profit initiative whose aim is to encourage the economic and cultural regeneration of Rotherham town centre using the medium of art.
The ‘Welcome to Rotherham, Welcome to Gallery Town’ signs were designed and donated by Rotherham based business Idea UK and include four works of art and the projects new logo. The newly branded logo depicts someone heading into the town centre to shop, with the foreground showing a wall with some Pink GT art on it and the background playing host to the town’s famous landmark Rotherham Minster.
The artworks present on the train station signs are an array of both international and local talent and include a piece by renowned wildlife artist Pollyanna Pickering and one of actor and adventurer Brian Blessed; both of whom are active supporters of the project.
‘Cool Waters’ by Pollyanna depicts a Tiger blissfully enjoying a swim whilst Brian Blessed has been captured excellently by Nepalese artist Manish Harijan. The other two artwork are made up of a piece by internationally acclaimed French Hyperrealist Jean-Marc Janiaczyk with the other a creation of Maria Williams, a former Rotherham College of Arts & Technology student.
These works of art can be seen reproduced on a large scale across Rotherham town centre from November 17th when the outdoor gallery refreshes its artwork and its branding.
Ged Omar, Gallery Town Project Manager Said:
“Rotherham has unfortunately come under negative scrutiny over the last 18 months which has resulted in various perceptions of the town both outwardly and inwardly. However, fortunately the community of Rotherham including its businesses, visitors and shoppers continue to make positive steps in the right direction for the benefit of the town. Rotherham is regenerating as a town centre and Gallery Town is assisting in this process. By improving Rotherham visually and culturally it is hoped that tourists and shoppers will reflect positively following their visit to the town centre therefore enhancing its reputation moving forward. The Signs in the train station will let visitors and tourists know that they are entering the UK’s largest Gallery Town.”
Richard Allan, Northern Rail’s Commercial Director commented:
“We are delighted to support Gallery Town and their work in Rotherham. Railway stations are very often the first step we take into a town or city. The new artwork on display at Rotherham station is a great scene setter for visitors.”

Oct, 28, 2015

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