Call for artists to breathe new life into old Jackfield Railway Gates
The search is on for artists to turn their hands to a special project to rebuild the Jackfield Railway Gates near Ironbridge.
Skilled crafts people are wanted to get on board with the project to resurrect the gates which are the longest in the country.
The art and craft challenge was launched at an open evening set up to consult on the scheme with members of public at the Green Wood Centre, in Station Road, Coalbrookdale.
The organisers hope talented residents will come up with ideas to recycle the old timber by converting it into items such as art pieces, benches, tables and turned bowls.
Ironbridge Gorge ward representative Councillor Nicola Lowery was full of praise for the Small Woods Association and borough council teams for organising Friday's event.
She said: “The open evening to find out more about Jackfield Railway Gates was absolutely fascinating and it was a great opportunity for our community to find out more about the project and restoration process, see the gates up close and to meet the fantastic team at Small Woods and the Council who have put so much care and energy into this project.
“The crossing gates are such an important part of our history having been a part of the Jackfield community for over 150 years and they mean a great deal.
"Therefore it is just wonderful to see this project get underway and to see the gates being authentically restored with such expertise, and hear of the work being done to document the social history associated with the gates.
“I am so pleased to see the gates being restored by such a dedicated and experienced team at Small Woods who have been established for many years in the heart of Coalbrookdale.
"It was brilliant to find out more about how the community can be involved from volunteering on the physical construction and restoration of the gates to the launch of the Jackfield Railway Gates Art and Craft Challenge, to see how the material can be reused to live on within the Gorge."
The old grade II listed railway gates located north-west of Calcutts House, in Jackfield, were installed in 1862 as part of the Severn Valley Railway, which was opened on January 3 the same year.
They were removed earlier this year and are drying out at Green Wood Centre.
To get on board the project artists and residents should email via contact office@smallwoods.org.uk or check out the social media page facebook.com/JackfieldRailwayGates.
