Shildon’s much-loved Minions Express has been restored to its former glory after vandals recently defaced the sculpture, which celebrates the world’s first passenger train leaving Shildon in 1825. With the 199th anniversary of that world-changing event due to be celebrated next week, on 27 September, it was with horror and revulsion that the community awoke last week to see that the popular artwork had been vandalised with spray paint.
Unveiled in 2020, the artwork was commissioned by the Friends of Jubilee Estate who asked local sculptor, John Macmurray, to produce a railway inspired piece that appealed to younger people and helped generate an interest in Shildon’s proud railway heritage. The Minions piece became an instant hit, becoming a regularly photographed focal point, and so it was with consternation that the community reacted to their defacing.
“Some people do things that go beyond belief they can’t let good things exist in Shildon,” said Raymond Parkin, who shared a photo of the damaged artwork on Facebook last week.
“That’s scandalous,” said another, “all the kids love the minions.”
However, Raymond has since reported that a father and son team has lovingly restored the Minions Express back to its former glory.
“The spray paint has been removed thanks to the great actions of a father and son who volunteered to help,” he said, adding that, “hopefully the remainder will be touched up next week.”
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
