c2c sponsors major artwork at Chalkwell rail station

An impressive new artwork commissioned by Essex and East London train operator c2c is now on view to the public at Chalkwell. Portholes by Leigh-on-Sea artist Luke Bryant, sees a series of famous landmarks at sunset that are normally spotted on the journey along the London Fenchurch Street to Shoeburyness line, glimpsed as if from a ship’s interior out on the Thames Estuary. Each five-foot porthole is mounted on the huge wall at the back of Chalkwell station. Hadleigh Castle, Southend Pier and Canary Wharf are just some of the famous structures that feature in Bryant’s ten airbrushed images. Luke said: “The wall is around nine hundred feet long and I wanted to reflect the journey from the City to the seaside and the relationship between the railway line and the Estuary. “If you stand on Chalkwell Beach and walk towards Old Leigh, you’ll be able to see ‘through’ the whitewashed brickwork to a landmark that you’d see from a c2c train carriage window. My pictures have a nautical theme as a significant and beautiful part of the journey runs along the coastline.” The 44-year old artist created ten panels in all, which are placed at ninety foot intervals along the station’s exterior wall. Explaining why they commissioned the artworks, c2c’s Managing Director Julian Drury said: “Last year our senior team, including myself, donned our overalls to restore the paintwork on this vast wall, cleaning it up and improving its appearance for all the walkers on the popular sea path. “Our efforts created a blank canvas for a local artist to showcase their talents, and we’re delighted Luke has created this artwork celebrating Southend and its links to such striking vistas along the c2c route.” ENDS