A landmark piece of Bristol\u2019s community heritage has been restored and returned to its original vibrancy, thanks to a local artist, volunteers from the community, industry partners and funding from Great Western Railway (GWR).<\/p>\n
Guests including Kerry McCarthy MP, Severnside Community Rail Partnership representatives, volunteers from Siemens Mobility, and members of the Bristol community gathered at an unveiling ceremony at Stapleton Road station to watch the final panel of the station\u2019s iconic mural being put in place. The ceremony marked the completion of a restoration project that has returned a cherished community artwork to its former glory after more than two years of planning and preparation.<\/p>\n
Led by Severnside Community Rail Partnership and funded through GWR\u2019s Customer and Community Improvement Fund (CCIF), the restoration was carried out by Bristol-based artist Valeriia Proskurina, who dedicated four weeks to the project, regularly working 16-hour days to ensure every panel received the care and attention to detail it deserved. Working closely with the original artist, Bill Guilding, Valeriia painstakingly restored each section of the mural while preserving its character and spirit.<\/p>\n
The 25-metre-long mural, made up of 12 panels along Platform 1, was originally created by Bill in 1999 and has become an enduring symbol of the people, heritage and diversity of Easton and Bristol. For more than 25 years it has welcomed passengers to Stapleton Road station, celebrating figures including civil rights campaigner Dr Paul Stephenson and cricketing legend WG Grace.<\/p>\n
The project was supported by volunteers from the local community, colleagues from Great Western Railway, and a team of volunteers from Siemens Mobility, all of whom gave up their own time to help clean and prepare the panels ahead of the restoration work. To commemorate the achievement, a plaque was unveiled recognising the care, commitment and collective effort of the many individuals and organisations involved in bringing the mural back to life.<\/p>\n
MP for Bristol East, Kerry McCarthy, said: \u201cIt was a real pleasure to join community leaders to celebrate the restoration of the mural at Stapleton Road station. The artwork is a classic and truly represents Easton\u2019s diverse population, from WG Grace to Dr Paul Stephenson, and its unique history.<\/p>\n
\u201cA huge thanks to everyone involved for carrying out the restoration and for making it a true community effort. I hope everyone will enjoy it as part of the wider Severnside Rail Art Trail and as a reminder of the people who\u2019ve helped make our city so special.\u201d<\/p>\n