1 November 2021
Our Reigate School of Art students and staff were delighted to attend a community event at Reigate Station, celebrating recent projects making up the new Reigate Station Gallery. The local community collaboration consisted of a project on the Station’s history, artwork from local societies, and a display of photographs from Reigate School of Art students.
Deputy Mayor Cllr Rachel Turner admires the students’ work
Level 3 UAL Photography students were given the opportunity to display pieces of work in the subway connecting the Station’s two platforms, with an open brief to create attractive and eye-catching images. The students took inspiration from local landscapes, visiting open spaces within their locality and capturing the beauty of the natural world.
Present at the event was Deputy Mayor Cllr Rachel Turner, as well as representatives from the Southeast Communities Rail Partnership, Southern Railway and the Community Rail Network, who all worked in collaboration with the community for the Gallery project. Members of the public were also in attendance, as well as local community groups such a Reigate Society, who had put together historical displays for the Ticket Hall, and Reigate Photographic Society, who had contributed one member’s photograph of the Flying Scotsman at Reigate Station.
The event also featured a speech by Deputy Mayor Cllr Rachel Turner, who welcomed the visitors and thanked our students for their contributions. Attendees were then invited to meet a collection of talented students and view the display of photographs.
Estelle Webb, a member of the Customer Service team at Southern , commented:
“We’re delighted to have such inspiring pictures, taken by the students at Reigate School of Art, who have let us display their work. The images will really brighten up commuters’ early mornings.”
Sharon Gray, Community Rail Development Officer at Southeast Communities Rail Partnership also expressed her gratitude for the College’s involvement, sharing:
“Our motto is ‘it’s your station’ and the local community have really stepped up and given the station character and colour.”
Our students were excited to view their work on display and experience an exhibition environment. Many students at ESC benefit from the opportunity to take part in live briefs, building their career skills and professional portfolio. Jo Fenwick, Director of Learning (Reigate School of Art, Design & Media) added:
“Thank you to the staff and students who have worked hard to bring this exhibition about. It has been a great experience for them to work on a live project, while also contributing to our local community. We are very proud of them and their photographs!”
Like many of her peers, Level 3 Year 2 student Chloe is hoping to progress on to a Photography course at university and provided some background information on her images, explaining how:
“I took my photos whilst out for a lockdown walk – I spotted some horses playing together and decided to capture the moment. It’s great to see my work on display in public.”
Photography student, Chloe, with her image (bottom right)
The College would like to extend their gratitude to the Southeast Communities Rail Partnership, Southern and the Community Rail Network for providing their students with this exciting opportunity.
