New heritage totem unveiled at Elsecar Railway Station

A striking new heritage totem celebrating Elsecar's rich history and its connection to the railway has been unveiled at Elsecar Railway Station.

The bespoke three-dimensional artwork, located behind Platform 2 near Hill Street, provides a welcoming gateway for visitors and helps strengthen the link between the station and key local destinations, including Elsecar Heritage Centre, Elsecar Park and the canal corridor.

Created through a partnership between South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and Barnsley Council, with support from Northern and local partners, the project highlights the important role that rail plays in connecting communities with heritage, culture and green spaces. The totem was shaped through extensive community engagement, with residents, volunteers and pupils from Elsecar Holy Trinity CE Primary School helping to influence the final design.

Designed by renowned artist Patrick Murphy, whose Industrious Revolutions artwork is a popular feature at Elsecar Heritage Centre, the sculpture reflects Elsecar's industrial heritage while celebrating the landmarks, landscapes and stories that visitors can discover on foot from the station.

The weathered Corten steel design features community-selected imagery including the historic Newcomen Engine, Elsecar Park and the swans that nest along the nearby canal. An integrated bee and insect hotel has also been incorporated, supporting biodiversity and enhancing the station environment.

The project was jointly funded by SYMCA, Barnsley Council’s Pride of Place programme, and Northern Trains

Cathrine Ashworth, Community Rail Officer at SYMCA, said:

"Community rail is about connecting people with places, and this project demonstrates how rail stations can be much more than transport hubs. The new totem helps create a stronger sense of arrival at Elsecar Station, celebrates the area's heritage and encourages people to explore everything the village has to offer by rail. By working closely with local partners and the community, we've created a lasting feature that strengthens the connection between the railway and the wider community."

Councillor Sam Burdett, Cabinet Spokesperson for Communities at Barnsley Council, said:

"This is a fantastic example of how local people can help shape projects that celebrate the places they are proud to call home.

"Elsecar has a unique story, rich industrial heritage and strong community spirit, and this new totem brings those elements together in a way that will be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

"The project reflects the aims of our Pride of Place programme by helping people feel connected to where they live, supporting local heritage and encouraging more visitors to discover everything Elsecar has to offer."

The installation forms part of wider community rail and station enhancement work aimed at making it easier and more attractive for people to travel by train to Elsecar and explore the area's heritage attractions, green spaces and visitor destinations. By strengthening the relationship between the station and the village, partners hope to encourage more sustainable journeys and support the local visitor economy.

Special thanks have been paid to community partners, local residents, schools, volunteers and organisations who contributed their ideas and support throughout the project.

Partners are now encouraging local people to get involved in the future of Elsecar Station through a station adoption scheme, creating opportunities for the community to help shape and care for the station through projects such as artwork, planting and heritage interpretation.

The totem was installed in June 2026 and officially unveiled in July 2026. It is expected to become a lasting feature that celebrates Elsecar's identity while reinforcing the station's role as a welcoming gateway to the village and its attractions.

Phographs from the unveiling day