Two new artworks have been installed at Marston Green station as part of West Midlands Railway’s ‘Trains of Thought’ project, first launched in 2024. The updated display features bold banners along the platforms, designed to encourage passengers to reflect on rail travel from a child’s perspective.

The works were created in collaboration with Theatre in Education charity Big Brum, which runs railway-themed workshops with pupils from Marston Green Infant Academy.

Through activities including play, movement, and painting, the children explored their ideas about train journeys. Their comments and observations have been incorporated into the final pieces as quotes.

The installation was unveiled at an event attended by representatives from Big Brum and West Midlands Railway, along with pupils, parents, and teachers.

Big Brum, funded by Arts Council England, delivers theatre, workshops, and educational programmes in schools across the West Midlands, and this project extends its work into a public setting.

“We wanted this project to give people a little lift as they started their journeys, and to set them thinking. We love the way that the children’s quotes are all about happiness and inclusivity. Working in TiE, we are always amazed by the way children’s minds work, so this display gives us a chance to celebrate their ways of thinking and inspire adults to tap into their own imagination.”

Ben Ballin, educationalist at Big Brum.

“When Big Brum came to us with the idea of installing new artwork, we were excited to help. The ‘Trains of Thought’ project celebrates imagination, and who better to remind us to think more creatively than four and five-year-olds? We hope these artworks encourage our Marston Green customers to reflect on where their train of thought takes them during their journey with us, and most of all, we hope they make people smile.”

Cara Higgs, community strategy manager at WMR.