BLACKPOOL TRAM MEETS STREET ART

BLACKPOOL, JUNE 3, 2013

An iconic 1930s’ Blackpool tram is destined for a new look. The tram
is to be the subject of a complete ‘makeover’ by famous British urban
street artist ‘Inkie’. Usually transport operators go to great lengths to
deter the attention of spray paint artists. Not this time. The tram is owned
by the Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust – a group dedicated to the
establishment of a tram museum on the Fylde coast.

Number 290, built in 1937 by Brush Engineering Company, operated
on Blackpool’s tram routes right up to 2005 when it was withdrawn.
Purchased for the Trust by Fleetwood businesses, the tram was re-
furbished by offenders at Kirkham Prison during 2012, in time for its
display in a special livery marking the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The
community project involved both HM Prison Kirkham, the Blackpool
Illuminations team and three local schools, all working with the Trust.

Inkie is one of forty street artists converging on Blackpool next week
as part of a town centre festival ‘Sand Sea & Spray’ organised by Robin
RossArt. Blackpool venues will be adorned with urban street art –
plus the Trust’s tramcar on public display at Pleasure beach terminus.
It will be a ‘star attraction’ during June 14th, and 15th / 16th weekend.

The Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust owns nine older trams formerly
used on the sea front service from Blackpool. It has plans to install a
tram museum at the Ferry terminus in Fleetwood – to fulfil a long held
need of a permanent memorial to this famous UK tramway.

‘We are looking forward to seeing 290 transformed into a street art
installation. What could be more appropriate than using a Blackpool
tram as the subject of inspirational street art design. There have been
far less edifying subjects now held in high regard by the ‘art world’
and who knows – maybe some collector might make a bid for it.’ says
John Woodman, Chair of the FHLT.
Further Information :

Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust
www.visitfleetwood.co.uk
telephone : and
email : – media enquiries on the tram

Robin RossArt.com
sandseaandspray.co.uk