Striking new murals unveiled at Margate station to mark railway 200 celebrations

Two vibrant new murals celebrating the heritage of the railway and the spirit of Margate have been unveiled at the town’s station.

Designed by Kent artist Graham Upton, the murals showcase important Margate landmarks including Dreamland and the Turner Contemporary.

The artworks were officially unveiled on 7 May during a special ceremony attended by Southeastern colleagues and community members.

The event was hosted by Area Manager Andy Ellison and attended by Passenger Services Director David Wornham, General Manager (North) Sonia Maulson, Passenger Services Project Manager Dean Martin, Station Team Leader Dougie Calder, and colleagues from Network Rail.

Station Manager Eddie Goddard, who played a key role bringing the artwork to life, said:

 “Thank you to artist Graham Upton for bringing my dreams to life.

“Rail plays such an important role in Thanet—boosting tourism and supporting the local economy. We are committed to embracing that legacy and encouraging more people to travel by train."

The project also honours long-serving staff members. A third mural is currently in development to celebrate Dougie Calder’s incredible 55 years of railway service, having started his career as a Goods Guard in 1969.

The murals are part of a broader programme of events to mark Railway 200, a national initiative celebrating two centuries of railway heritage and innovation.

Margate will also host the Railway 200 Exhibition Train on Sunday 20 and Monday 21 July. Visitors will be able to explore ground-breaking innovations that shaped the history of rail, take part in hands-on science activities, and learn more about the diverse careers within the railway.

For more information, visit: Railway 200.