Stunning artwork at St David’s celebrates Exeter’s UNESCO literary status
Published: 7 March 2024
A permanent installation of new artwork has been unveiled on World Book Day at Exeter St David’s station to celebrate Exeter’s UNESCO City of Literature status.
The artwork, created by local artists Billy Ruffian (an artist alias of Isabel Keen) and Jack Ratcliff, honours Devon’s rich literary history and is supported by Great Western Railway’s (GWR) Customer and Community Improvement Fund.
After a private unveiling on Thursday 7 March - World Book Day - the artwork located on the footbridge and lift footbridge will be accessible to commuters travelling through Exeter St David’s.
Inspired by Devon’s great writers and literary locations, the artwork features scenes from timeless works of literature by authors such as Michael Morpurgo and Agatha Christie.
It also features familiar places and faces from around the region, including students of Exeter College and St Martin’s Primary School, staff from the NHS and Libraries Unlimited, scenes from books by Philip Reeve and Arthur Conan Doyle, and the Exeter City of Literature team.
Anna Cohn Orchard, Executive Director of Exeter City of Literature, said: “This artwork celebrating Devon's rich literary heritage epitomises Exeter City of Literature’s belief that words create worlds.
“Isabel and Jack’s extraordinary designs bring authors’ worlds to life and honour the creativity of the writers and people who live here. I’m incredibly grateful to GWR for helping us memorialise Exeter’s UNESCO City of Literature status in such a vibrant, imaginative way.”
Artist Isabel Keen, aka Billy Ruffian, said: “I’m so excited to see our work in the station. Some of the books I based panels on are very important to me, and it was a joy to draw them.
“It’s been lovely to explore new places in Devon and meet lots of interesting people as part of the project. It's given me a deeper understanding of my home's literary history and how it intertwines with the lives of people here.”
Artist Jack Ratcliff added: “This project has been the opportunity of a lifetime. Getting the chance to immortalise some of my favourite works of literature and celebrate the many incredible and beautiful aspects of Devon’s cultural heritage has been truly joyful.
“I’ve never felt so connected to the history and people of my home county as I have done through engaging with the communities, individuals, and works we've featured in this artwork.”
Robin Barrington-Best, GWR Station Manager for Exeter St David’s, said: “It has been a real honour to welcome the artists here today to help unveil their work. We hope it will help inspire a new sense of excitement in customers as they travel through the station on new adventures.
“GWR’s affiliation with the county’s literature dates back nearly 90 years and is something we are very proud of.”
The artwork installation at Exeter St David’s train station is part of a continued relationship between Exeter UNESCO City of Literature and Great Western Railway.
Last April, a Penguin Books vending machine was installed at the station thanks to a partnership between Penguin Books, Exeter UNESCO City of Literature, and GWR. Clare and Michael Morpurgo officially unveiled the machine with remarks from Clare about her father, Sir Allen Lane, the founder of Penguin Books.