Train timetable is a work of art

STRATFORD charity Escape Arts has teamed up with Chiltern Railways to help create the artwork for the railway company’s latest timetable.

The timetables, which come into effect from this Sunday, feature artwork by young people and adults from Escape Arts and will be seen by thousands of customers who travel across the Chiltern network between London Marylebone, Birmingham, Aylesbury, Oxford – and Stratford.

Eight colourful images were created for Chiltern on the timetables, one of which depicts everyday scenes that capture the spirit of Stratford such as Shakespeare’s Birthplace, thatched buildings dotted around town, the River Avon full of rowing boats, multi-coloured fish, bright, white swans, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and even William Shakespeare holding a quill pen.

Escape Arts helps people of all age groups to work together on art and heritage projects, building strong, happy communities and supporting wellbeing.

Artistic director of Escape Arts, Karen Williams, said: “Our different community groups worked on the individual pieces and we are so proud to see their work published. “We are looking forward to seeing the name Escape Arts across the country on the train routes and at stations.

“We work with people of all ages and from across a number of communities, so it was great to bring them all together to work on this project.”

Alan Riley, customer services director at Chiltern Railways, said: “We’re delighted that Escape Arts agreed to commission artwork for our new timetables.

“The work they produced looks fantastic and we’re pleased to support the creativity of talented young people and adults in the communities across our network,” he added.