bRAILle

Project Title:

bRAILle – Celebrating 200 Years of Braille and Rail

Partners:

Thomas Pocklington Trust, Greater Anglia

Locations:

Colchester, Norwich, Broxbourne

Date:

2025

Project Overview:

Who knew that two revolutionary inventions—Braille and Railways—were born in the same year? In 2025, we celebrated the bicentenary of both with a groundbreaking project that merged accessibility and history: the creation of the first-ever braille railway station signs in the UK, and possibly the world.

In collaboration with the Thomas Pocklington Trust, I designed and installed braille signage at three key stations across the Greater Anglia line: Colchester, Norwich, and Broxbourne. These weren’t just commemorative plaques—they were functional, tactile, and inclusive, offering blind and visually impaired passengers access to station information in braille, embedded directly into the public transport landscape.

At the heart of the project was a one-off creative twist: a retro-inspired station sign that fused braille and print lettering to form the word “bRAILle” – a playful, powerful statement blending two systems that changed the world of movement and communication. This sign became the visual symbol of the campaign and a bold piece of public art in its own right.

The project caught the attention of national media, appearing on the BBC and even bringing me face-to-face with Michael Portillo, Britain’s biggest train enthusiast and TV rail explorer. I also appeared on GB News, helping amplify the message that access matters everywhere—even on the platform.

bRAILle wasn’t just about honouring the past—it was about building an inclusive future where the everyday experience of public transport is designed for everyone.