Warm welcome for Oswestry's second train mural
The train now standing outside Wilkinson in Oswestry. . . has been joined by passengers waiting on a platform opposite.
Created by artist Jim Heath, from Chirk, the 52ft (15.8m) long and 13ft (3.9m) high station design has been painted onto a blank wall in Herbie Roberts Way.
And the giant mural, named Great Expectation, will be officially unveiled on October 12 to coincide with the fourth birthday of the town's Footfall project.
The mural was designed to complement New Tracks – a train design which runs along New Street opposite Wilkinson in the town centre.
Both giant murals were commissioned by the Footfall project, a community partnership which aims to add creativity to empty spaces.
Steve Haworth, chairman of the Footfall committee, said: "The first mural proved to be a big hit with train enthusiasts across the country and has turned what was an uninspiring blank wall into a masterpiece showcasing Oswestry's heritage.
"The popularity of this first project led to the creation of Great Expectation.
"All ideas for works like this start off as seeds in our imagination. Luckily for us, because we live in Oswestry, the hub and headquarters of the Cambrian Railway between 1864 and 1923, this seed was able to grow and has now become these two fantastic murals, to be enjoyed by all who visit our town."
The unveiling will take place at noon with special guests including the mayor of Oswestry Councillor Chris Schofield, and Mr Heath. Students from The Marches School and Walford and North Shropshire College will also be involved, helping with the unveiling of the train and handing out cupcakes to passers-by mark the occasion.
The project was supported by donations from Oswestry & District Arts Association, Wilkinsons, Boots, Cambrian Heritage Railways and Oswestry Assets.
