The Stockport Viaduct: A Landmark in Art and History
The Stockport Viaduct: A Landmark in Art and History
The Stockport Viaduct is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the North West of England. Built between 1839 and 1840, it was a major feat of engineering and is still one of the largest brick structures in the UK. Standing 111 feet tall and stretching over 1,800 feet, the viaduct carries the Manchester to Birmingham railway across the River Mersey. With its 27 arches and striking red-brick design, it has become a lasting symbol of Stockport’s industrial past.
The Viaduct in Art
For almost two centuries, the viaduct has inspired artists who were drawn to its scale and presence. L.S. Lowry painted it in 1960, showing the structure in his trademark industrial style, with muted tones and bustling figures in the foreground. It also appeared in the works of Frederick William Jackson, the Manchester-born landscape painter. With its size, form, and character, the viaduct continues to attract artists who want to capture both architectural strength and the life of the town around it.
Chaz Newton-Smith’s Approach
For Chaz Newton-Smith, the Stockport Viaduct was a natural subject. Known for his expressive, abstract style, he was struck by how the viaduct towers over the skyline yet blends into the daily rhythm of Stockport. Instead of aiming for exact detail, he focused on mood and movement—the trains passing through, light shifting across the red brick, and the changing skies above.
Chaz used bold, textured brushstrokes to bring the scene to life. His work highlights the drama of light and weather, turning the viaduct into something dynamic rather than static. In this way, his paintings follow in the tradition of Lowry but with a modern, expressive twist.
See the Viaduct at The Springfield House Gallery
Chaz’s Stockport Viaduct paintings are now on show at The Springfield House Gallery, alongside other works that explore the character of Stockport and Manchester.
Want to experience them up close? Book an appointment to visit the gallery.