All the original Metrocars may have been withdrawn from passenger service but they haven’t yet been forgotten and now are part of an urban art project which has transformed a busy city centre subway.
The project has seen the subway underneath the 55 Degrees North roundabout in Newcastle converted into a 75-metre-long gallery. It features 39 pieces of artwork created by 90 students from Newcastle College.
And four pieces of artwork feature the original Metrocars! The students produced their art inspired by the 60s pop art movement and used their artistic licence to create colourful and striking artwork with a modern twist.
Lyne Dickinson, Station Delivery Manager at Nexus, said: “It’s great to see Metro is part of this new art project. The students have done an amazing job. Our original trains served the public in North East England for 46 years. They became part of everyday life in our region.
“It’s fantastic to see young people taking inspiration from their legacy and bringing them to back to life through the medium of art. We hope that people enjoy going to see this exhibition. It’s a great collaboration by our colleagues at NE1, Newcastle City Council and Newcastle College.”