Fylde Council are proud to present Shifting Sands, an art trail of contemporary travel posters by acclaimed artist Nicky Thompson set within the historic grounds of Lytham Hall. Shifting Sands presents 12 new contemporary artworks in the style of railway posters that depict iconic landmarks on the Fylde coast. An accompanying exhibition of mid-century railway posters from the Lytham St Annes Art Collection will be displayed in Lytham Hall.
The story of railways in Britain has been reflected in the development of the railway poster. The art form illustrates the major changes that have occurred in British society over the years and captures the spirit and character of British life throughout the twentieth century. Railway posters are social documents and material evidence of British culture; they illustrate the changing styles in art, holidaymaking, architecture, and fashion over the years, as well as the development of the urban and rural landscapes of Britain.
The arrival of railways contributed significantly to the growth of the British seaside resort. From the 1840s onwards, expansion of the railways to the coast often transformed small fishing villages into popular resorts. Making access quicker and cheaper, the railway revolution of the nineteenth century had a significant impact on the development of Lytham and St Annes.
Shifting Sands celebrates the railway poster as an art form and explores the development of the railways in the North and their impact on the Fylde coast. Nicky Thompson’s contemporary railway posters depict well-known and beloved landmarks that bring tourists and travellers to the Fylde coast in droves to this day. A special exhibition of original railway posters and art works from the Lytham St Annes Art Collection, which depict the landscape of Lytham and St Annes over the years, will accompany the art trail at Lytham Hall. Shifting Sands is in collaboration with Community Rail Lancashire.
Councillor Michael Sayward, Chair of Tourism and Leisure Committee, said “Fylde Council is delighted to work with Nick Thompson, Community Rail Lancashire and Lytham Hall to present this exciting art trail and exhibition that celebrates the ‘shifting sands’ of the Fylde coast since the railway revolution of the nineteenth century. We’re excited for people to engage with the Lytham St Annes Art Collection and the history of the area in new and innovative ways.”
Shifting Sands art trail will open on Friday February 4th 2022 in the grounds of Lytham Hall. The accompanying exhibition of art works from the Lytham St Annes Art Trail will open on Saturday April 2nd 2022.
For more information, please visit the Discover Fylde website.
Please note that this event is subject to Covid restrictions which may be in operation at the time.
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