A breathtaking six-meter-long remembrance sculpture has taken center stage at Hull Paragon Station, creating a moving tribute that honors both local history and community spirit. Created by Hull-based artist Andy Pea, the installation features approximately 2,500 handcrafted poppies that flow dramatically from floor to ceiling, offering travelers and visitors a stirring visual experience as they enter the station.
The remarkable artwork will remain on display through Thursday, November 20, thanks to generous funding and support from TransPennine Express, LNER, Northern, and Hull City Council. This installation forms part of a nationwide celebration commemorating 200 years of railway history in Britain, highlighting the significant role that rail transportation has played in connecting communities and serving the nation.
What makes this sculpture truly special is its deep community roots and collaborative nature. Each individual poppy in the display has been carefully handcrafted by members of the local Hull community, including participants from diverse groups such as the ReNew drug and alcohol rehabilitation service, students from Adelaide Primary School, and volunteers from the Lighthouse Project. The installation creates a space where visitors can pause beneath the flowing poppies, contemplate their meaning, and gaze upward through the artwork as it stretches toward the station's ceiling.
Among the dedicated contributors to this project is Yeseniia Serdiuk, a Ukrainian refugee who has been working closely alongside Andy and other volunteers. Through her participation, she has been acquiring new artistic skills while sharing her own powerful experiences of resilience and renewal. Her involvement demonstrates how art can serve as a bridge between cultures and provide healing opportunities for those who have faced significant challenges.
"Every poppy carries a story," explained Andy Pea. "They've been made by hands from all walks of life, people who've overcome challenges, found new hope, or wanted to remember someone special. Together, they form a single bloom of community strength." This sentiment captures the essence of the project, which brings together diverse voices and experiences under one artistic vision.
The choice of Hull Paragon Station as the installation site carries profound historical significance that was discovered during the project's research phase. Investigators uncovered the remarkable story of the Northumberland Fusiliers 17th, North Eastern Railway Pioneers Battalion, which was recruited directly from the station's workforce during World War I. This discovery added an unexpected personal dimension to the project when Andy learned that his own grandfather had served in that very same battalion, becoming the 17th person to enlist during the recruitment campaign.
"The installation is about remembrance, but also regeneration," Andy emphasized. "Every poppy represents a life, a story, a moment of hope - and together they tell Hull's story and that of the railway in its 200th year, in full bloom." This dual focus on honoring the past while celebrating renewal reflects the broader themes that run throughout the artwork.
Chris Jackson, managing director at TransPennine Express, highlighted the installation's broader purpose and accessibility. "It is a chance for anyone passing through to stop and reflect," Jackson stated. "The artwork builds upon that legacy, connecting the city's history of service and sacrifice to its modern-day spirit of unity." The sculpture serves not only as an artistic achievement but as a focal point for community reflection and connection.
A special remembrance service has been scheduled to take place at the station at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 7, with all members of the public invited to attend. This ceremony will pay tribute to the railway industry's crucial contribution in supporting the country during wartime periods and honor those who have served in both historical and ongoing conflicts. The service will provide an opportunity for the community to come together in a shared moment of remembrance and gratitude.
Visitors and travelers passing through the station are encouraged to participate actively in the installation by creating and contributing their own handmade poppies. Each contribution can include a brief note of remembrance or personal message, which can then be left with volunteers from City of Culture and HEY UK. This interactive element ensures that the sculpture continues to grow and evolve throughout its display period, reflecting the ongoing nature of memory and community engagement.
