Art gallery opens at Knaresborough station by conductor who painted for King Charles
Paul Mirfin transforms Yorkshire station into an art destination after years on the railway
Paul Mirfin, an impressionist oil painter and Northern conductor, has launched his own art gallery at Knaresborough station, taking advantage of the railway's community-focused spaces.
Originally commissioned in 2023 to produce artwork for King Charles on his 75th birthday, Mirfin’s painting of a tree planted by the monarch outside Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms in Harrogate now resides at Clarence House in London.
The artist, who has been with Northern for over two decades, has found inspiration in the railway infrastructure, creating popular artworks featuring landscapes, skies, and railways.
Based in Knaresborough, Mirfin not only paints but also teaches art classes at his studio and gallery.
He said: “I'm really enjoying having my own space to paint and sell my work.”
“I love it here," Mirfin continued. "It’s a such beautiful station and I have worked on the line that runs through here for a long time, so I’ve gotten to know a lot of the passengers. They have been really supportive."
Mirfin began painting six years ago, finding creativity when his music gigs with the folk-rock group, The Paul Mirfin Band, were halted during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“When I couldn’t gig, I became a bit frustrated so decided to start painting," he said.
“I posted a photograph of one of my paintings on Facebook and I was a bit surprised when someone replied asking ‘how much?’"
“It just grew from there. I never planned any of this.”
Mirfin explained: “I started out painting a lot of railway infrastructure, like viaducts, stations and signal boxes, and they were really popular.”
“I love travelling around to different places on the railway to find inspiration for my work.”
Local businesses have embraced the concept of setting up shop at Northern railway stations, with available retail spaces for cafes, bars, galleries, and more.
Alex Hornby, Northern’s customer and commercial director, said: “We’re really proud of Paul and his incredible talents, and equally delighted that he’s decided to open his gallery at Knaresborough station.”
“It’s a fantastic addition to the station as customers can now enjoy some of the impressive artwork on display.”
“We are really keen to establish stations as true community assets and destinations in their own right."
Hornby added: “We have a range of units available to local businesses looking to set up shop in prime locations with high footfall.”