Pictures taken by a Gorleston man who has been photographing trains for almost 40 years have been used to create a 55m display at Great Yarmouth railway station.

Eastern Daily Press: Tom Pearman used a ring-binder motif and handwritten notes to reflect the origins of the photos Picture: Douglas AtfieldTom Pearman used a ring-binder motif and handwritten notes to reflect the origins of the photos Picture: Douglas Atfield (Image: Archant)

Mark Potton has a collection of more than 20,000 photographs and was presenting a small display at a neighbourhood lunch when he met Kaavous Clayton from arts organisation, originalprojects.

Mr Clayton was keen to share his collection with both locals and visitors and so decided to pitch the idea of a large installation at the train station.

The station manager, Alan Trett, was receptive to the proposal and earmarked a space for the display, while originalprojects commissioned artist Tom Pearman to curate the photographic frieze.

Mr Pearman has used a ring-binder motif and handwritten notes as a nod to the local source of the collection and has reflected and repeated the photographs in an attempt to draw attention to the common vanishing point, while also providing a sense of movement.

Eastern Daily Press: The display is 55m long Picture: Douglas AtfieldThe display is 55m long Picture: Douglas Atfield (Image: Archant)

Mr Pearman said: “It was great to celebrate and showcase Mark’s wonderful photographs, proving that you don’t need to be a professional to make an impact.”

originalprojects is part of Making Waves Together, which falls under the Great Place Scheme funded by Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund and delivered jointly between Great Yarmouth Borough and Waveney District Councils.

The project is part of Great Yarmouth EXPO, a scheme that collects and celebrates cultural artefacts, personalities and customs from the town.

A spokesman for originalprojects said: “The project not only presents the hidden passion of a local individual, it helps to improve the visual appearance and enhance the overall feel of Great Yarmouth Train Station, one of the gateways to the town.

“Thanks to Greater Anglia and everyone involved in the project’s hard work.” originalprojects have received £45,000 to deliver various projects over 3 years.

Thus far, they have displayed exhibitions by Great Yarmouth artists in a disused shop, presented a conference exploring creative workspaces and have collaborated with three restaurants in the town on a musical gastronomy event celebrating Portuguese culture in the town.