New mural celebrates city horse riders of Ouseburn at Byker Metro Station

The mural, which was unveiled earlier today, Saturday 15 February, re-imagines the past and present of East Newcastle through its Western-inspired design.

Stepney Western, created by local filmmaker Harry Lawson, explores the unique culture of young inner-city horse riders from the Stepney Bank Stables in Ouseburn.

Nexus, the public body which runs Metro, provided support for the work as part of its Art on Transport programme.

Byker Metro station has played host to a wide range of art works over the last two decades, including internationally-famous urban artists, community projects and photo exhibits by Metro customers.

John Souter, Head of Customer Service Operations at Nexus, said: “Byker Metro station has become a renowned location for public art over the last 20 years, and I’m delighted that is continuing through this latest collaboration with Stepney Bank Stables and Harry Lawson.

“Metro plays a really important role in showcasing public art work, so we had no hesitation in supporting the Stepney Western project for the station, to showcase the art work.

“The finished mural looks amazing and will be seen by thousands of our customers as they pass through the ticket concourse.”

Harry Lawson, the creator of Stepney Western, said: "It's a real joy to see the Stepney Western project come to life on this scale. The success of an artwork like this relies on the creativity and ambition of so many people.

Visit NewcastleWorld’s newsletter page to sign up for our range of free news and sport emails

“Hannah Gillingham and Kia Tasbihgou were integral in bringing the work to life, and both made enormous contributions to the final image. Most importantly though, the young people from Stepney provide its energy and its lifeforce. It's an honour to have been welcomed into their community over the past two years."

Sara Newson, Centre Manager at Stepney Bank Stables, added: "The young people have gained so much through taking part in the 'Stepney Western' project.

“For someone to think that their lives are worthy of a film is hugely empowering. They've been able to explore their creativity in new ways, travel to new places and meet new people, broadeing their horizons and opening up new possibilities."