PASSENGERS at Glynde railway station are exploring a unique artwork created and installed to launch Govia Thameslink Railway’s newest local community station partnership.

A group of local artists has created miniature artworks hidden inside 16 bird boxes.

The boxes are installed across a mural painted by another local artist, Chris Gilvan Cartwright (known professionally as The Baron Gilvan), along the back wall of the platform shelter. Viewers use small torches hung from the bird boxes to reveal the art inside.

The Glynde community and GTR launched their new station partnership and its first art display last week with an opening ceremony performed by the local vicar, television presenter the Rev Peter Owen-Jones.

Guests were entertained by live music from the Lewes, Glynde and Beddingham Brass Band. GTR provided tea and cakes in the cricket pavilion, with additional homemade cakes provided by the artists.

The mural and bird box installation designs were partnership productions themselves.The artists came up with the creative concepts and Lisa Stacey, GTR’s Lewes area station manager, helped develop the practical aspects.

Partnership leader Isobel Smith said: “The project has been a delight from start to finish owing to the positivity and can-do attitude from all concerned.

“Its success is a testament to what can happen when creativity and enthusiasm are met with resounding ‘yesses’.

“Thanks to the fantastic artists who leapt at the bird box challenge, and to a long list of enthusiastic supporters including GTR, Sussex Community Rail Partnership, and our local business sponsors.”

Lisa said: “This wonderful group has created a unique and intriguing art display to entertain our passengers and it’s an honour to host their work on the platform.

“We are passionate about making our stations work at the heart of the local community and our station teams invest a lot of time in supporting these partnerships.

“They give people an opportunity to work with us to bring a real local approach to the appearance of their station and its use as a community asset. It has been a real pleasure working with Isobel.”