New LGBT+ Community Mural Installed at Wakefield Kirkgate Railway Station
- LonGBoaT Wakefield
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
A major new LGBT+ community artwork has officially been unveiled at Wakefield Kirkgate Railway Station, celebrating visibility, inclusion and the importance of diverse voices within Wakefield's public spaces.
The mural project was commissioned by Grand Central and delivered by LonGBoaT Wakefield and Northern Trains Limited as part of their Station Adoption Project's Community Gallery initiative; to give a voice to the under-represented Wakefield District LGBT+ community.
The artwork now takes pride of place on Platform 1 at the station, creating a permanent visual statement supporting LGBT+ inclusion, not only in Wakefield but also the wider railway industry.
During 2025, LGBT+ artists from the Wakefield District were invited to tender proposals for the commission. A selection panel made up of representatives from Grand Central, LonGBoaT Wakefield and Art Exchange Wakefield reviewed submissions before selecting the final design by local artist Marie.
The finished mural, titled "We Look With the Eyes of Others – Blinkered Sheep", explores themes of perception, identity and prejudice. Through contrasting monochrome and vivid rainbow imagery, the work encourages people to challenge assumptions, think independently and embrace differences.
Marie, who identifies as lesbian and lives in Wakefield with her wife and two cats, created the piece using acrylic paints on primed boards produced off-site at Westgate Studios before installation. Her proposal centred around the idea that people with different outlooks and identities can still stand side-by-side within society, just as passengers do every day while waiting for trains together.
Speaking about the mural, Marie said;"I am grateful to have been given the chance to create something unique and so prominent. A piece that will hopefully inspire others to be more tolerant and welcoming of the people around them. Thanks to all the agencies involved in making this artwork happen".
Marie’s explains that the work was inspired by the idea that “the eyes are the windows to the soul,” and challenges viewers to look at others with empathy rather than judgement. The piece also addresses how LGBT+ people are too often viewed through the lens of misinformation and prejudice.
The artwork reflects the lived experiences of many LGBT+ people in 2026, at a time when visibility and inclusion remain critically important. Across the UK, LGBT+ communities continue to face discrimination, misinformation and hostility both online and in public life. Public art projects such as this play an important role in normalising inclusion, creating conversations and reminding people that LGBT+ individuals are an integral part of every community.
For many LGBT+ people, particularly younger generations and those living outside major cities, visible representation within everyday public spaces can have a profound impact on wellbeing, belonging and safety. Installing inclusive artwork in transport hubs sends a clear message that everyone deserves to feel seen, respected and welcome.
The mural has been successfully installed thanks to the support of station operator Northern Trains Limited and its contractors. Grand Central currently operates four return services each day between Bradford and London via Wakefield Kirkgate, helping connect local communities with the wider country. Hannah Bromage their Community and Volunteer manager was a driving force behind the mural: “We’re so glad to be part of making Wakefield a place where LGBT+ people feel seen, heard and respected. Not only does the mural celebrate the diverse communities that we’re proud to serve, it also continues to showcase Wakefield as a hub for creative arts.”
The mural now forms part of the growing Community Gallery at Wakefield Kirkgate Railway Station, as LonGBoaT Wakefield continues efforts to transform the station into a welcoming and inclusive public space that reflects the diversity of Wakefield’s communities.
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