New station art aims to show town's good side

Aimi Rix made 15 art pieces for Luton Railway Station

An artist hoped her new paintings at Luton railway station would show visitors "the best scenes people don't usually see".

Aimi Rix partnered with Network Rail, and Govia Thameslink Railway, to create 15 pieces about the people of Luton with a focus on nature, landmarks and the railway.

The finished artwork, which includes scenes such as Wardown Park and Capability Green, were on display on platform walls, the footbridge, stairs and in waiting rooms.

Ms Rix said: "We're always in the news for bad stuff and I wanted to show some good stuff."

Aimi Rix (centre right) wanted to show the nice areas of Luton to new arrivals at the station

The original canvases she painted will be sold to raise money for local charities.

Dave Brown, senior programme manager for the Samaritans, said the artwork brightened the station and "many people's days as they pass through Luton".

He added: "It’s wonderful to see this project increasing the connection between the railway and the local community and enhancing people’s experience of using the railway in the process.”

Julie Evans, programme manager for Network Rail’s East Midlands route praised Ms Rix's "vibrant artwork that brings a welcoming feeling through the station".

She said: “This project has been underway since October 2022 and it is brilliant to see the vision come to life, with the aim to improve passenger experience.”

Aimi Rix used shoes in a unique way to showcase Luton's "diversity"

The artist had previously created many pieces of art around Luton.

Speaking about art on the platforms, she said: "I really wanted to do something for Luton that shows the best scenes people don't usually get to see."

Other pieces featured people's footwear.

"When you're on the train you always look at feet and shoes, you can tell a lot about people from feet and shoes," she added.

"I was trying to find a way to show how diverse we are without it being about our skin colour, I've only incorporated 50 pairs of shoes but I could've gone on forever with that."