Inspired by bringing creativity into the workplace to encourage innovative free-thinking and to provide businesses with a creative space to work, whilst also helping to nurture and celebrate local artists, Python Properties launched Python Arts nine years ago.
Python Gallery has announced a unique open day in partnership with the South Pelaw Modelling Group and Python Properties for the public to view a memorable model railway of a historic North East junction.
The open day on Sunday June 4th at Python Gallery, within Royal Middlehaven House in Middlesbrough, will give members of the public an opportunity to view the running 39ft by 18ft model of the South Pelaw junction site for the first time.
The model, which celebrates the history of the Tyne Dock to Consett line between the 1950s and 1960s, has been under meticulous construction by the group of seven enthusiastic model-makers for more than seven years and is still a work in progress.
Due to its grand assembly size the team, which is made up of members travelling from as far afield as Sheffield, moved the model to Royal Middlehaven House in January so that they could finally piece together all the sections for the first time.
Away from Royal Middlehaven House, all members work at home on the provision of locomotions and rolling stock, the majority of which is hand-built.
The South Pelaw Junction was a vital junction on the Tyne Dock to Consett railway line with connections to the East Coast mainline at Ouston Junction, Tyne Dock via Washington as well as local collieries via Stella Gill. It was abandoned in 1984 and redeveloped as part of a coast-to-coast cycle way.
Model-maker Martin Lloyd, said: “It’s an obsession and a real passion for everyone involved. Together with Python Gallery we are excited to give members of the public and fellow enthusiasts an opportunity to see the track come to life for the first-time.
“We are incredibly grateful to Python Properties, the commercial property owner of Royal Middlehaven House, for the space they have provided and for all photographs we have received over the years from members of the public of the original track, which have been instrumental in bringing it to life.
“Collectively we have invested thousands of hours of meticulous work so far, and since moving to Royal Middlehaven House we have finally been able to assemble it to its grand scale and focus on rebuilding two corners and relaying the track to ensure it runs perfectly.”
The model will be displayed at exhibitions around the country starting in 2018.
For further information about exhibitions at Python Gallery please visit http://www.pythonproperties.co.uk/galleries/python-gallery.
Venue: Python Gallery, Royal Middlehaven House, 21 Gosford Street, Middlesbrough, TS2 1BB
Open Day: Sunday June 4th 2017
Time: 10.00am till 5.00pm
Admission: Free
