Earlier this week, new paintings were unveiled at Birmingham New Street as part of Railway 200.

The art has been created by Yardley-born John Austin, who partnered up with Network Rail to bring a new look to the Moor Street Link.

The stunning art features nine paintings of the past and present of Birmingham’s railway, showing different scenes including famous locomotives which have visited Birmingham.

He has also created two pieces, which took 250 hours to complete: one depicting Birmingham New Street in the 1970s and the other in 2025.

The pieces complement other Railway 200 artwork at the station, which was unveiled earlier this year.

More information on John and his work can be found here.

“As a Brummie and a life-long train lover, it is amazing that my paintings are on display in the centre of my home city and on such a large scale, I can’t quite believe it!

“New Street and Snow Hill were the start and end of many journeys for me growing up, and it was the railway publicity posters I saw at the stations which inspired me to paint.

“Little did I realise that they would result in my own work being on display in Birmingham all these years later. I am very proud and so pleased to be part of this exciting project.” 

 Artist, John Austin