GBR Anglia, working with Commission Projects, have engaged Turner prize nominee (2006) Mark Titchner to install a new public artwork at the soon to open Cambridge South station to celebrate its importance for the City of Cambridge.

Mark was appointed by GBR Anglia and the project steering group to undertake the public art commission for the new station in April 2024, following a rigorous selection process. He subsequently undertook research into the site and developed the concept and proposal for the artwork, entitled ‘Together We’

The concept of the work focuses on the circulation and coming ‘together’ of people, with its origins in circulatory systems both medical and in transport. This draws on Mark’s research into Cambridge physician William Harvey, the first known physician to describe the circulatory system in detail. Using words and language as a central part of his practice, Mark’s previous work includes the permanent text‑based installation ‘Me, Here Now’, created for London Bridge station in 2018.

The proposal for the new station for Cambridge included the installation of a significant piece of public artwork to help tie the station to its location, situated between the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, a globally important centre of medical & scientific excellence and Hobsons Park & the expanding nearby community of Trumpington.

The overall aim is to link and celebrate these places and achievements by providing an art programme that makes an exciting contribution to the new station, complements the architectural design, and creates a dynamic and thought-provoking experience for future passengers and the city of Cambridge.

Working with London Mural Company, and principal contractor Murphy, the public artwork has been installed on the balustrades of the station’s sweeping, central stairways which have a prominent position above the two entrances.

Once open, passengers entering the station, will be able to experience and enjoy the artwork as they move through the ticket barriers and into the main space of each building, under the sweeping staircases.

The artwork will also extend beyond the station as a dynamic stand-alone animated piece. The digital artwork will also be free to download via QR code for passengers and the public to enjoy.

In collaboration with three local primary schools, Mark will be leading school-wide assemblies and some small-group workshops with pupils to help them develop and design individual letterforms which when combined, spell ‘Together We’, focusing on typography and positive messaging. This will lead to a whole‑school poster activity, building a clear link to the commissioned artwork at the station and its themes of community and shared public space.

Artist Mark Titchner said: “I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to develop and realise ‘Together We’ for Cambridge South station, which will serve as a major new gateway into the city. This commission has enabled me to create a long‑form public text work, something I’ve wanted to pursue for a long time.

“I hope the piece gradually reveals itself to those who use the station offering, moments of reflection as they move through their daily journeys. I very much appreciate all the support I’ve received throughout the process of taking this work from concept to realisation.”

Grace Thorne, Commission Projects director said:  “We’re delighted to have worked with Mark Titchner to develop a new artwork for Cambridge South station, bringing his practice to a wider Cambridge audience and to the many people who travel through the station to work on or visit the Biomedical Campus.

“We are also grateful to the Project Steering Group, whose membership included representation from the planning authority, CUH Arts, Royal Papworth Hospital, Campus organisations, local residents and the GBR Anglia project team, and whose insight has played a vital role in shaping the commission.”

Sanjay Patel, GBR Anglia sponsor for Cambridge South station project said: “It has been a pleasure to have worked with Commission Projects and Mark Titchner to support the development of the artwork for the new station.

“When customers enter the station, they will be presented with Mark’s concept giving them an opportunity to enjoy and consider what it means to them before catching their train service.

“We are looking forward to welcoming all our first customers to their new station at the end of the month”.

Cambridge South station is currently expected to open on Sunday 28 June 2026

The first Great British Railways (GBR) branded station in the country, Cambridge South, is expected to welcome 1.8 million passengers annually as the government’s public ownership programme gathers steam.

Mark Titchner was nominated for the Turner Prize in 2006, participated in the Venice Biennale in 2007 and was Artist in Residence at the Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto in 2012. In 2018 he completed a major new permanent public work, ‘Me, Here Now’ which is installed at London Bridge Station.

His work is held in numerous Public Collections including Arts Council, Tate, British Council, Government Art Collection, South London Gallery, Manchester Art Gallery, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and Guildhall Art Gallery. His public projects have ranged from large-scale commissions to group-based activities, working with young people and in mental health settings.