A striking new art installation at Hull Paragon Station pays tribute to remembrance while celebrating 200 years of the railway. The six-metre-long sculpture, created by Hull artist Andy Pea, features around 2,500 handmade poppies cascading from floor to ceiling, offering a moving visual for passengers.

The work, funded by TransPennine Express, LNER, Northern, and Hull City Council, will remain in place until Thursday 20 November. Visitors can stand beneath the installation to reflect, while looking up as the poppies stretch toward the ceiling. Each poppy was crafted by members of the local community, including school groups, a women’s refuge, and the ReNew drug and alcohol rehabilitation service.

Yeseniia Serdiuk, a refugee from Ukraine, joined the project, learning artistic skills while sharing her experiences of resilience and renewal. “Every poppy carries a story,” said 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.”

The installation is especially meaningful at Hull Paragon because of its historical connection to the First World War. Research as part of the project uncovered the story of the Northumberland Fusiliers 17th, North Eastern Railway Pioneers Battalion, which was raised from the station’s staff. Andy Pea also discovered that his grandfather enlisted with that battalion during the war.

Chris Jackson, Managing Director at TransPennine Express, said: “It is a chance for anyone passing through to stop and reflect. The artwork builds upon that legacy, connecting the city’s history of service and sacrifice to its modern-day spirit of unity.” A service of remembrance will take place at the station at 11am on Friday 7 November, open to all.

Passengers and visitors are invited to contribute their own handmade poppies, including a short note of remembrance or personal message. Volunteers from City of Culture and HEY UK will collect them, adding further layers of community participation to the installation.

Image: TransPennine Express