Historic Mayflower steam train artwork unveiled at Marshalls Yard

2 April 2026

A striking new piece of art celebrating Gainsborough’s rich rail heritage has been unveiled at Marshalls Yard this week, forming part of a major collaborative project to promote Gainsborough Central Station.

The impressive piece, created by IMAGESKOOL, depicts the iconic Mayflower Steam Train and has been installed to the rear of Marshalls Yard, close to the station entrance by the Pattern Store offices.

Its position not only enhances this part of the town centre but also helps lift the profile of Central Station as part of a wider rail heritage initiative that has been in development for the past two years.

This installation supports two significant railway anniversaries: the 175th anniversary of the Manchester, Sheffield & Lincolnshire Railway route—marked last year through heritage boards placed across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire stations, including Gainsborough Central—and the ongoing Railway 200 celebrations recognising 200 years of Britain’s railways.

The project has been delivered through a partnership between the North Notts & Lincs Community Rail Partnership, Northern Rail—who have generously provided grant funding—and local stakeholders including Barry Coward and the Central Station Adopters.

Imageskool and the team at Marshalls Yard have also been closely involved. Imageskool is a creative studio specialising in graffiti art and mural work, formed in 2004 and run by local artist and designer James Mayle.

James said: “The team at Imageskool has had the pleasure of working with the community rail partnership and many previous projects, and this project at Gainsborough was no different. It's been a great experience working with all parties to design the concept and learn about the history, along with the time we spent painting the artwork, with all the positive comments from tenants at Marshall's Yard and all the members of the public who passed by.

“We're very much looking forward to stage two, working with the local young people.

Jodie Grundy, Operations Director at Dransfield Properties, which owns and manages Marshalls Yard, said: “We are delighted to have worked with our partners to bring this vibrant artwork to Marshalls Yard. It celebrates an important part of Gainsborough’s history while enhancing an area that connects directly with Central Station. Projects like this strengthen community pride, improve the public realm, and showcase what can be achieved through real collaboration.”

Rick Craig, Community Rail Partnership Officer for the North Notts & Lincs Community Rail Partnership, added: “The Mayflower artwork is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when partners come together with a shared goal. We’re incredibly grateful to Northern Rail for their funding support, to IMAGESKOOL for their exceptional work, and to the Central Station Adopters for their ongoing dedication. This has been a true team effort.”

The artwork can be viewed close to Central Station next to the Pattern Store at the rear of Marshalls Yard.

Photograph shows Mayor of Gainsborough Cllr Kenneth Woolley and Chair of West Lindsey District Council Cllr Matt Boles celebrating the new piece of art along with other councillor and local stakeholders as well as the artist James Mayle.

For further information, contact:

Public Relations Department, Dransfield Properties Ltd
Tel: 01226 360644
Email: pr@dransfield.co.uk