- Giant city centre artwork unveiled on Aire Street in Leeds
- 14-metre-high mural, created by Leeds based artist Elle Koziupa and Global Street Art, celebrates the journeys that have helped shape Leeds
- Photorealism, painterly illustration and graphics combine to depict the textile carts that powered Leeds’ rise to a northern powerhouse, to CrossCountry trains linking the city’s people and culture to the rest of UK today
CrossCountry has teamed up with Global Street Art, Europe’s leading producer of hand-painted murals, to create a giant mural that visually encapsulates the story of what has - and continues to - make Leeds such a vibrant cultural hub.
Via the 14-metre-high mural, artist Elle Koziupa brings together the important elements that connect the past, present and future of Leeds for those who live there and inspire those making a visit. Drawing on the city’s proud industrial history, its renowned cultural vitality, sporting prowess, notable landmarks and inclusive communities, the mural titled The Embrace, reinforces the importance of celebrating the city’s strong roots and heritage.
The mural design combines photorealism with integrated painterly and graphical elements to create a vivid and visually eye-catching summation of what the people of Leeds and the city itself stands for.
Artist Elle Koziupa said: “I wanted to ensure that the artwork has an emotional and visual impact on those that see it. The central idea features a truly aspirational moment with train travel at its heart. The scene of the train platform with two people greeting each other as they are about to embark on an amazing journey or sharing a joyful reunited moment, is the foundation for many possibilities as people meet and connect.”
Leeds railway station, positioned in the heart of the city, plays a significant role as a destination hub for 34 million passengers per year*. Found on Aire Street, close to the station, The Embrace, is in an ideal location to reinforce the influence of journey connectivity on those heading to and from the station.
David Mullins, CrossCountry's Head of Brand, Communications & Digital Strategy, said: “As such an important and popular transport hub, Leeds station and the city itself is the backdrop for many people’s life experiences, memory making and connectivity. We believe the stunning artwork devised and created by Elle tells the story of Leeds, its residents, and visitors, in an engaging way, touching on a range of historical, cultural, sporting, and commercial references that make Leeds what it is. CrossCountry is proud to help bring people together as they make their own personal journeys and this is perfectly encapsulated in The Embrace.”
Dr Lee Bofkin, CEO and Janitor, at Global Street Art, says: "It has been a pleasure to work with CrossCountry, celebrating the great city of Leeds with this gorgeous mural on our Aire Street wall. I hope it brings joy to the people that see it and encourages all the more hugs."
The mural will be in place on Aire Street, behind Leeds train station, from Thursday 28 August and Sunday 21 September.
Contact Information
CrossCountry Press Office
[email protected]About CrossCountry
CrossCountry is a long-distance passenger train operator, with a network stretching from Aberdeen to Penzance and from Stansted to Cardiff and calling at over 100 stations. Based in Birmingham, CrossCountry connects seven of Britain’s 10 largest cities and delivers 240 services every weekday, equating to over 42 million passenger journeys each year.
For further information on CrossCountry services, visit crosscountrytrains.co.uk or visit one of our social media platforms via X @crosscountryuk or Facebook at facebook.com/crosscountrytrains
Long-distance train operator CrossCountry has announced adjustments to its timetable from 14 December, as part of the rail industry’s twice-yearly timetable review.
- CrossCountry will operate a reduced timetable over the Bank Holiday weekend – with no services on Saturday 23 August - due to industrial action by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT)
- Services on Sunday 24 August are also likely to be subject to cancellations across all CrossCountry routes
- Passengers are advised not to travel on Saturday 23 August and to travel on either side of the Bank Holiday weekend, or claim a full refund
As a once-in-a-generation celebration of rail heritage and innovation prepares to open its gates, the East Midlands rail network is gearing up to get thousands of visitors safely to and from The Greatest Gathering.
