Remembrance Soldiers

2,236 men who worked for the North Eastern Railway (NER) lost their lives in military service during - or soon after - the First World War. Many more lives were subsequently lost during the Second World War.

“Remembrance Soldiers” is an art piece featuring 40 two-sided silhouettes of "Tommys" – life-size representations of WWI soldiers – to mark this year’s Remembrance Day. They are on display inside North Road Station Museum.

Beaumont Hill Academy in Darlington, a specialist school for children and young people with special educational needs, has brought its entire school community together to create a poignant tribute to display at Hopetown Darlington in honour of the Armed Forces

Around 300 pupils, aged 2 to 19, have contributed to a striking art installation titled “Remembrance Soldiers”, featuring 40 two-sided silhouettes of "Tommys" – life-size representations of WWI soldiers – to mark this year’s Remembrance Day.

Each 1.2-metre-tall silhouette has been carefully designed by a different class. One side of each soldier is painted in dark grey to represent the sombreness and sacrifice of war. The reverse side bursts with colour, decorated with red and pink poppies, Union Jack flags, moving poetry, and uplifting messages, reflecting themes of hope, gratitude, and peace.

Each class, from early years to sixth form, was given one silhouette to decorate, giving every pupil a chance to participate. The school’s learners, who have a wide range of learning difficulties including autism and profound multiple learning needs, engaged fully with the project.

The project was spearheaded by Beaumont Hill Academy’s creative lead, Paul Julian, who was inspired after a conversation with a friend at Wilsonart, a Shildon-based kitchen and bathroom surfaces manufacturer. Wilsonart generously supported the initiative by producing all 40 soldier silhouettes and their bases from recycled materials – free of charge.

“They were looking for a community project and agreed to cut the soldiers for us, which saved us hundreds of pounds and gave us a professional-quality canvas to work on,” said Paul. “This generosity made the whole project possible.”

“The pupils absolutely loved the project and are so proud of their individual soldiers,” Paul added. “It was fantastic to see how creative and thoughtful they were. This experience gave them a real sense of pride and ownership.”

“Being creative is hugely important in SEND education – it helps pupils express themselves, builds confidence, and boosts self-esteem. This is something they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.”

Originally displayed on the school’s football field, the installation is now set to be showcased at Hopetown Darlington between Tuesday 4th November and Sunday 16th November, covering the period before, during, and after Remembrance Day.

Leona White-Hannant, Hopetown Darlington’s Development Director, said: “We are honoured to showcase Beaumont Hill Academy’s ‘Remembrance Soldiers’ installation here at Hopetown Darlington. This deeply moving project is a powerful reflection of creativity, community, and remembrance. It’s inspiring to see how every pupil, has contributed to such a meaningful tribute.”

Hopetown’s agreement to host the display means the wider community – including national and international visitors - will now be able to engage with this reflective and inspiring tribute.

“We are delighted Hopetown Darlington is exhibiting the soldiers,” said Paul. “It’s a fitting location for a display that is not only poignant and respectful but also optimistic and deeply personal.”