Over the years the Tyne and Wear Metro has been home to many different artworks – all part of the Art on Transport programme. And they are now being joined by a new colourful mural which takes inspiration from the classic westerns of 20th century cinema.
The mural reimagines the past and present of East Newcastle through its Western-inspired design. Its been created by local filmmaker Harry Lawson and explores the unique culture of young inner-city horse riders from the Stepney Bank Stables in Ouseburn.
Stepney Western is now on display at Byker Metro station. This station has played host to a wide range of artworks over the past two decades, including internationally famous urban artists, community projects and photo exhibits by Metro customers.
John Souter, Head of Customer Service Operations at Nexus, said: “Byker Metro station has become a renowned location for public art over the last 20 years, and I’m delighted that is continuing through this latest collaboration with Stepney Bank Stables and Harry Lawson.
“Metro plays a really important role in showcasing public art work, so we had no hesitation in supporting the Stepney Western project for the station, to showcase the art work.
“The finished mural looks amazing and will be seen by thousands of our customers as they pass through the ticket concourse.”
Creator of the mural, Harry Lawson, said: “It’s a real joy to see the Stepney Western project come to life on this scale. The success of an artwork like this relies on the creativity and ambition of so many people. Hannah Gillingham and Kia Tasbihgou were integral in bringing the work to life, and both made enormous contributions to the final image. Most importantly though, the young people from Stepney provide its energy and its lifeforce. It’s an honour to have been welcomed into their community over the past two years.”
The mural has been designed to have the look and feel of a 1950s Western film poster. Workshops were conducted with the core group of young people from Stepney Bank which helped to inform the artwork’s design. It features several local landmarks (including Byker Metro viaduct) as well as some of the riders and horses from the stables.