Home » RAILWAY NEWS » England’s Plumpton Station Reveals New South Downs Artworks By Grant Dejonge: All You Need To Know
Published on
August 26, 2025
Plumpton Railway Station sits surrounded by beautiful East Sussex countryside, it pulses with colour thanks to four new canvases by artist Grant Dejonge. Converted from an old signal box, the screenings are a moving tribute to the South Downs, portraying the rolling hills, the revered Cross of Lewes, and the famous Plumpton Racecourse ribboned with tracks. The paintings materialised with financial backing from Southern’s Station Partners Small Grant Fund, in close collaboration with Network Rail and the Friends of Plumpton Station. The scheme elevates the daily routine of waiting travellers into a quiet brush with regional heritage. Whether commuting, watching the timetable, or waiting guests, passengers are greeted by an invitation to to travel straight into the immersive story of the landscape.
Local Artist Brings South Downs to Life in Plumpton
Grant Dejonge, a self-taught artist residing in Plumpton for over 19 years, is known for his evocative landscape paintings. His latest series captures iconic local landmarks, including the Cross of Lewes, which commemorates the Battle of Lewes in 1264, and a view of Plumpton Racecourse. Dejonge’s work often reflects his deep connection to the local community and environment.
Community Collaboration Enhances Station Atmosphere
The art project was completed in partnership with Network Rail and supported by the Friends of Plumpton Station, a local gardening group. Rob Whitehead, Southern’s community engagement manager, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting that the new paintings not only beautify the station but also highlight accessible destinations for travelers.
A Destination for Art and Nature Enthusiasts
Plumpton Station’s new artworks offer a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the South Downs’ landscapes while awaiting their train. The station’s proximity to local attractions, such as Plumpton Racecourse and the historic Cross of Lewes, makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the region. The addition of these artworks enhances the station’s role as a cultural gateway to East Sussex.
Artist’s Personal Connection to Plumpton
For Grant Dejonge, the project holds personal significance. He shared that seeing his paintings displayed at his local station is a privilege, allowing him to share his love for the town with the thousands of people who use the station daily.
Visitors Encouraged to Explore and AppreciateWhat Next?
The installation of Grant Dejonge’s luminous South Downs series at Plumpton Station does more than beautify the platforms; it invites passing travelers to cultivate a renewed regard for the landscape and the legacy of the region. Each canvas, anchored by a local landmark or a fragment of Downs topography, rescues the East Sussex vista from mere peripheral scenery and presents it as the reason for pause. In so doing, the project reaffirms public art as a catalyst for subtle civic performance; it alters the history of a waiting-room moment by substituting ambient distraction with a measured dialogue between art and environment. Consequently, the station renounces its character as an incidental exchange point on the line, asserting instead its claim as a modest yet deliberate waypoint, worthy of pedestrians’ deliberate arrival and lingering attention.
