Artist Alexander Millar's work featured on Metro train
Dec 1 2010 The Journal
THE work of a North East artist is to adorn a Metro train in a celebration of North East life.
The bespoke artwork commissioned by the Metro has been created by renowned artist Alexander Millar.
Mr Millar’s work for the Metro features the “gadgie” – a typical Tyneside working man – which has become famous throughout the world in recent years.
Mr Millar said: “This has been unbelievable. It is a big travelling canvas. It feels like when Newcastle scored five goals against Manchester United a couple of years ago, it is great.
“To have your work seen right across the North East is a huge, huge privilege for me and I am chuffed to bits.”
Mr Millar, who grew up in a village outside Glasgow, moved to the North East 30 years ago and now thinks of himself as an adopted Geordie.
He added: “Because a lot of the work is shots from behind, people can look at it and see their grandfather or father, it is something everyone can identify with.”
The train featuring the artwork is part of Metro’s commitment to work with, reflect and put something back into local communities in the region.
Richard McClean, managing director of DB Regio Tyne and Wear operator Metro on behalf of Nexus, said: “Not only will some of the proceeds go to the Bubble Foundation charity but people can take pride in the fact that they are from the North East and see the art as an appreciation of their heritage and lives here.
“Over the coming years, Metro will be involved in a range of community art initiatives, similar to the Alexander Millar train design, which will bring together local communities across the region.”
As well as the train art project, Mr Millar also visited Mortimer Community College in South Shields and gave tuition lessons to pupils at the school, providing tips and advice about art and the skills needed to become a professional, talented artist.
Working with Mr Millar, the students developed a range of art that will form an art trail across the Tyne and Wear Metro network, displayed in posters at stations including South Shields, Chichester, Monument and Central.
Lucy Rule, an art teacher at Mortimer Community College School said: “The art lessons he provided were very popular among the pupils and, as the posters will show, we have some budding artists in the region who might just follow in the footsteps of Alexander.”
The designs will be displayed as part of the Working Man exhibition, a collection of original paintings by Mr Millar which will open at the Great North Museum in March 2011.
The train that features the art will service the region as normal and the display will remain for at least 12 months.
Mr Millar came to prominence when his paintings were shown on an episode of TV show Through The Keyhole featuring agony aunt and Journal columnist Denise Robertson. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair also bought one of his paintings at a charity auction last year.
