Unique railway platform art on show in Tatton Park gardens

The Tatton Gallery in the Gardens features the work of Cheshire artist Nicky Thompson, and the outdoor exhibition was launched by David Briggs, Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire.

This exhibition comprises a walking trail, and following a route around the gardens, children will be encouraged to draw their own favourite animal poster.

The route is accompanied by a free 24-page colour booklet written by Cheshire Wildlife Trust.

The railway platform art, funded by Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership, will eventually be displayed along the Mid Cheshire Line which connects Chester to Manchester via Northwich, Knutsford and Altrincham.

The exhibition runs from October 3 to November 15, and garden entry tickets must be pre-booked at tattonpark.org.uk. National Trust members are admitted to the gardens free.

David Briggs said: “These platform art posters are truly outstanding.

Nicky Thompson and Simon Tetlow

“Here I am launching an iconic railway poster showing a red deer with its massive antlers and Tatton Hall mansion in the background, and in front of me I can see the very deer in the fields beyond.

“This unique gallery set in the open air is a perfect day out to ease the worries of these uncertain times.”

Nicky Thompson said: “Although this artwork was designed as platform art for the Mid Cheshire Line, I am so proud to see it in the stunning gardens at Tatton Park.”

John Hulme, a director of the Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership, said: “The CRP are pleased to have funded this project and look forward to the wildlife art posters being on our station platforms.

“Tatton Park is one of the jewels in our Line’s wildlife crown, and is a brisk walk from Knutsford railway station. This outside gallery could not be in a better location.”

Nicky Thompson and Jen Shutt

Simon Tetlow, head gardener at Tatton said: “This gallery, which we have erected on railway sleepers, is spectacular. I know our visitors will love this new addition to our gardens particularly as autumn is upon us.”

Jen Shut from Cheshire Wildlife Trust said: “We all need to get out a bit more to see, smell, hear and feel the amazing things wildlife offers us all year round. Nicky Thompson’s railway posters are just the inspiration we need.”

Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern, said: “It’s fantastic to see such amazing works of art in the beautiful setting of the gardens at Tatton Park.”