New life for Enfield Chase Station

Enfield Chase railway station, established in 1871 and replaced with the current station in 1910, will be getting a colourful facelift - a large artwork on the northbound platform created by Kremena Dimitrova, a local artist and educator.

Commissioned by Enfield Chase Station Partners (part of The Enfield Society) supported by Hive Curates, the mural will create a unique and memorable welcome to the station and the area, as well as celebrate the history and heritage of Enfield Town. Combining ideas from the local community and Kremena’s skills as artist and “edutainer”, the project aims to spark interest and bring joy to Enfield residents and thousands of train commuters daily. 

I asked Kremena a few questions about herself and her creative practice, so have a read of who she is and what she hopes to achieve with this exciting project.

“My name is Kremena Dimitrova, an Enfield based illustrator-as-historian and storyteller. I specialise in children's illustration, comics, murals, public art installations, mapmaking, and visual storytelling in the cultural, heritage, and education sectors. I often work with archives and collections and use a mixture of artistic approaches and humour to bring untold, hidden, forgotten, and marginalised narratives to life.

As an illustrator, I have had a number of diverse national and international exhibitions and my work features in print, online, book publishing, design, and advertising. Many of my commissions are socially engaged and site-specific in nature and involve collaborating with the public to explore culture, history, and heritage in creative and memorable ways - through art, storytelling, and co-creation.

As an educator, I deliver dynamic and engaging events, talks, and workshops in formal and informal educational settings. I focus on edutainment. Exploring different media, from drawing, collage, and printmaking to creative writing, comics, and digital art, participants are inspired to be imaginative in an inclusive, creative, and playful environment.”

What have been the highlights of your creative career so far?

“I am in my final year of my practice-based PhD in Visualising History at the University of Portsmouth which grew out of my career and which interweaves all my interests - my academic research, my teaching, and my practice/creative/community work within the museum and heritage sector in playful and useful ways.”

How is your life intertwined with Enfield and what is your favourite Enfield landmark?

“I have lived in Enfield since 2008. It is one of my most favourite London locations especially because of its many spacious and green areas.

As for my favourite landmark, it would be River View with its fairytale-like qualities (my mum's words) and Forty Hill - where you will occasionally spot me riding a bike…”

What inspired you to apply for this opportunity and how does that reflect on how you'll approach it?

“Well, I love trains and train stations and the idea of going somewhere. I was excited about co-developing something creative and historical with the local communities; I have worked on many similar projects across England, but there is something personal and special about creating in the place one lives and calls home. “

What do you hope the artwork will bring to the area and how will its creation and presence impact local communities?

“The part I am most excited about is using illustration to bring history to life through co-creation with local communities by ensuring the mural features all their ideas, suggestions, stories, and illustrations.

I hope that by spotting the mural, Enfield Chase station users will be inspired and enticed enough to get off the train and explore the locality - there are hundreds of historic houses and landmarks in close proximity to the station that are waiting to be seen.”

You will be able to see the mural for yourself from Summer 2024. In the meanwhile, you can contribute below or keep up with the project’s progress on Kremena’s social media:
Instagram: @kremenadimitrovaillustration
Facebook: @kremenadimitrovaillustration
Twitter: @KremieDimitrova

Local to Enfield or pass through Enfield Chase station? You could help co-create this mural! 

If you have 5 minutes please complete the questionnaire by clicking the button below: