Wish I Was There

Images of two of Swansea’s beautiful beaches created by UWTSD Swansea College of Art Surface Pattern Design Master’s student Jessica Morgan-Helliwell are featured in a new Wish I Was There Network Rail Exhibition showcasing work from the next generation of artists to celebrate the return of rail travel.

The Network Rail competition asked art students from across the UK to create work that reflected the places they had missed travelling to during the pandemic- whether it be a town, city or beach, a shopping street or even just a pub or a park – a place that meant something special to them.

Entrants submitted almost 270 pieces of work, including images from across the country such as Stonehenge, Edinburgh Castle, St Michael’s Mount, Brighton Pier, Piccadilly Circus and Llandudno Promenade. 

‘Three Cliffs Bay’ and “Rhossili Bay” prints produced by Jessica were selected in the Top 100 for the competition which highlights artists’ representations of some of the best places to visit in the UK.

Jessica, who is studying on the University’s MA Contemporary Dialogues, Surface Pattern Design pathway said: “Swansea has some of the most picturesque and beautiful beaches in the UK, Three Cliffs Bay and Rhossili being two of my favourites! I am so honoured that my work was chosen to be featured in this way

“Nature and wildlife are my biggest sources of inspiration when it comes to my creative projects. Living so near the Gower is a great way to get the inspiration I need. Taking long walks along the coast is also a great way escape and take a break. 

“When I saw the Network Rail competition come through on my emails, I thought entering my artwork would be a great way of sharing my favourite places that I really missed visiting throughout lockdown, using my colourful and uplifting colour palette and bold style. 

“I hope the artwork attracts people looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy city life and head to Three cliffs bay or Rhossili for a little slice of heaven."

Catherine Hammerton, Pathway Lead, MA Surface Pattern Design said: "Jess is a student on the MA Contemporary Dialogues programme, specialising in Surface pattern Design, and has been evolving interesting biophilic and wellbeing concepts as part of her MA praxis. We are delighted that Jess has been recognised by the Wish I Was There selection panel and that the work, which borrows some of the ideas and concepts developed as part of the MA programme, will feature in the subsequent national Rail exhibition. Congratulations to Jess!"

 Sir Peter Hendy CBE, chair of Network Rail, said: “The standard of art submitted has been beyond exceptional and reflects how much we have all missed travelling. 

“The railway has a long history of creating works of art to promote the destinations that people can travel to by train, and the art submitted completely and utterly reflects that. This art will become a part of history, documenting what has been an unprecedented time for all of us.”

The exhibition is touring around Britain’s busiest railway stations this summer.

Find more information and buy copies of the artworks at wishiwasthere.love

Further Information

Rebecca Davies

Swyddog Gweithredol Cysylltiadau â’r Wasg a’r Cyfryngau

Executive Press and Media Relations Officer

Cyfathrebu Corfforaethol a Chysylltiadau Cyhoeddus

Corporate Communications and PR

Mobile: 07384 467071

Email: Rebecca.Davies@uwtsd.ac.uk