Trailblazers Mural for Metro Trains (Nexus)
By Sofia Fox Barton
2022
Trailblazers is a vibrant act of reclamation and joy. Through rigorous research into the Tyne and Wear Archives and a curated collection of oral histories, unsung icons are unearthed who helped shaped the North East’s social, political and scientific soul.
By blending traditional aesthetics with contemporary storytelling it celebrates an intersectional, anti-fascist and anti-racist history. Through a palette of radiant, defiant colours, inspired by Punjabi heritage, it honours those who fought for a more equitable world. It explores:
The Activists: Witness the fierce spirit of Suffragette Kathleen Brown, the socialist fire of Ellen Wilkinson (leader of the Jarrow Crusade), and the foundational anti-racism work of Dr. Hari Shukla.
The Community Builders: Honouring the legacy of Koon Kiu and Peter Cheng, founders of Newcastle’s Chinatown as well as Craig Puranen Wilson aka Sheena Revolta, who co-founded Curious Arts.
The Pioneers: Celebrating the first female naval architect Susan Mary Auld, world champion para-climber Abbie Robinson and the beloved drag icon Martin Greenfield - each representing the diverse fabric of our regional identity.
This mural first created in 2022, selected from an open call by Nexus for their new fleet of trains. Each piece is re-imagined with colourful, bold borders, and symbols to represent each trailblazer.
Join Axis
We support artists
Funding, visibility, connection and practical help.
Membership includes £15 million of Public Liability Insurance!