Passengers passing through Ipswich rail station can now enjoy new artwork created by a talented young Suffolk artist, as a series of striking photographic collages has gone on display in the station’s refurbished waiting room.

The pieces were produced by 17-year-old Creative Arts student Leah Payne from Suffolk New College as part of her Art, Design and Communication course. The collages draw on images of Ipswich port and the River Orwell, supplied by the Ipswich Maritime Trust, which has been offering work experience opportunities to students since 2024.

Supported and funded by the East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership (ESLCRP) and Greater Anglia, the three large-scale compositions now brighten the waiting room on platform 3/4, marking another successful collaboration between the college and the local rail community.

Michael Klencher, Lecturer in Photography and Link Tutor for the Level 3 UAL Extended Diploma in Creative Practice, said:

“After our students designed work for the old footbridge, the waiting room on platform 3/4 is the first display of photographic images, assembled by our student Leah Payne on three large canvases. For all our students, it is a great experience to get their work into public spaces, and we look forward to collaborating on further opportunities in the future.”

Aaron Taffera, Chair of the ESLCRP, said:

“We were delighted to facilitate this project that will help to bring Leah’s work to a wider audience. We look forward to working together on more exciting projects in the future to help continue to build positive links between the railway and the communities it serves.”

Alan Neville, Greater Anglia’s Customer and Community Engagement Manager, added:

“We are very grateful to the community rail partnership, Suffolk New College and of course, Leah for helping to brighten the station with these lovely collages. I am sure the artwork will be enjoyed by the many passengers that pass through Ipswich station every day.”

Image: Greater Anglia