PRESENTER Michael Portillo visits Harlow in episode 16 of Series 16 of hugely popular travel programme ‘Great British Railway Journeys’. This episode ‘Loughton to Audley End’ is first being transmitted on Monday 28 April on BBC Two at 6.30pm and is available on BBC iPlayer.

Filmed last July, the programme features interviews with artist Jordan Cook in The Stow and Gibberd Garden Trustee Cerith Lowry in The Gibberd Garden. Michael Portillo talks about the work of Harlow’s master planner Sir Frederick Gibberd and the towns famous sculptures.

His interview with Jordan Cook takes place in The Stow, Harlow. Jordan Cook said

‘It was a great experience being part of the ‘Great British Railway Journeys’ episode and helping to share Harlow’s story — especially while filming at The Stow, which was the town’s first shopping area and home to many of the early public sculptures. The timing feels perfect too, as I’ve recently been working there with other local artists & sports coaches, offering free art & sports activities for families through the Harlow Art Trust ‘Cycle, Create and Move’ project. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate all the creativity happening in Harlow.’

Jordan is an artist and art educator who grew up in Harlow and now has a studio at Parndon Mill in the town. He is a graduate from the Royal Drawing School and his work draws upon the ever-changing landscapes of urban environments. He is filmed working on a new drawing of The Stow. He talks about his love of drawing outside and capturing architecture of Harlow and how special a place Harlow is because of the sculptures and its design.

Earlier this month Jordan was joined by fellow artist Jack Hamilton, boxing coach Grant Hill and apprentice Reggie to offer fun drawing and boxing exercises for local families as part of Harlow Art Trust’s ‘Cycle, Create and Move’ project. This is hoped to be an ongoing programme of activities in the Stow that also include groups such as Changing Lives Community Services, Action Art, Roots to Wellbeing, Community Safety Teams & Active Essex.

Catherine Mummery, Director of Harlow Art Trust said ‘We hope Michael Portillo’s positivity and the fabulous film work by the Great British Railway Journey team will bring new interest and visitors to Harlow. There is much to be proud of in our town and programmes like this shine a light on the work done by incredible volunteers and artists who keep alive Sir Frederick Gibberd’s vision for Harlow New Town as place for people, art and architecture.’