On Thursday 3rd July, I attended the unveiling of Making Shapes Huyton, a new public artwork by Andrew Small. The artwork is situated on Platform 4 of Huyton train station. Commissioned by Make Huyton Village Residents, Heart of Glass, the installation is a personal and visually captivating contribution to the local landscape, one that blurs the boundaries between sculpture, photography, and motion. The installation includes two sculptures, one of a girl skipping a rope and another of a boy wiggling around. This project stands as a unique expression of place, identity and community, and forms part of a wider art trail across St Helens and Knowsley.
Upon arriving at the platform, there was an exciting atmosphere. Despite the functional nature of the train station, the area had been transformed by the presence of the artwork and the people gathered around it. Members of Heart of Glass were on hand, along with members of the local community, fellow artists and commuters drawn in by the activity. The energy on the platform mirrored the themes of the work itself: movement, flow and human presence. You could feel the pride, this was more than an unveiling; it was a homecoming of sorts, especially for Andrew Small.
Crafted from sprayed stainless steel, the installation reflects both the literal and symbolic architecture of the station. Its finely cut lines subtly reference the station’s existing design, while introducing new visual rhythms. The pieces play with optical illusion, depending on where you stand, or how quickly you move past, the shapes appear to shift and animate. As trains approached or departed, the experience transformed again. “Just a little thing to look out for”, Small said in his remarks. And indeed, there was a magic in the ordinary, a fleeting interaction between the viewer, the artwork and the speed of the train.
Andrew Small spoke briefly about his personal relationship with Huyton. He shared that he has always felt conflicted about the place, describing it as tough yet familiar – “Full of witty people but often difficult to connect with”. His mother still lives here, and the town remains a big part of his life. His inspiration for the work dates back to his teenage years, when pieces of public art at the station brought an unexpected sense of excitement to his daily commute. “It’s always been a dream to have something on a platform,” he shared.
Small also discussed the collaborative process, particularly the photography workshops where local residents contributed images and ideas that helped shape the final work. He noted some technical challenges in fabricating the pieces, particularly in getting the lines to sit correctly. Despite this he expressed satisfaction with the end result, “I’m really pleased. It’s just nice to do something in your hometown.”
What stood out most about this unveiling was how visibly involved the community was, from the people who took part in the workshops, to those stopping to look and reflect as they caught their train. It reinforced the idea that public art isn’t just something to be admired, it’s something to be lived with. Making Shapes Huyton is subtle, thoughtful, and layered. It’s the kind of public art that doesn’t demand your attention, but rewards it. Whether seen every day on the commute, or glimpsed briefly through a train window, it offers a reminder that beauty and meaning can be found in even the most ordinary of places. For Huyton, and for Small, this feels like a moment of connection. A way of grounding memory, movement and community.
