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Wednesday 16 Jul 2025

A brush with fame: Striking portrait of Network Rail ‘hidden hero’ unveiled on special exhibition train

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National

A striking portrait of a Network Rail employee was unveiled at London Euston station on Tuesday 15 July. Manny Kang was captured on canvas for the exceptional care and commitment he brings to his role as a community safety manager on the Central route, connecting the West Midlands and London.

The special portrait, on display for one day only, formed part of the ‘Partner Zone’ coach of the Railway 200 exhibition train named Inspiration – celebrating the 200^th anniversary of the modern railway.

Curated in partnership with the National Railway Museum, Inspiration will visit a number of locations on Britain’s rail network until summer 2026. The touring exhibition aims to attract the next generation to consider a career in rail, with a range of engaging display themes from ‘Railway Firsts’ to ‘Your Railway Future’.  

Community safety managers, like Manny, play a vital role helping to deliver a safe and reliable railway. This includes going out to local schools and community groups supporting the public to understand the dangers of trespassing on the railway, keeping them safe and trains on the move. Outside work, Manny has raised thousands of pounds for Dementia UK by completing sporting challenges and running ‘Samosa Saturdays’ outside his local football ground.

Manny Kang, community safety manager, Network Rail, said: “If you’d asked me nearly 25 years-ago when I joined the railway that I would have an amazing portrait displayed to the public, I would never believe you.

“I’m incredibly proud to be a part of this project. Community safety managers work really hard behind the scenes helping to keep the public safe and trains running on time. I hope the portrait helps to inspire others to consider a career in rail, as it can open so many opportunities.” 

The portrait, painted by acclaimed artist Duncan Shoosmith - winner of the Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2019 - was the result of Network Rail’s recent Hidden Heroes campaign. The campaign highlights the vital work rail employees do to keep the network running with a total of over 1.7 billion journeys made by rail passengers in Great Britain in the last year alone.*

Duncan Shoosmith, Portrait Artist of the Year Winner 2019, said: “I am delighted to support this project and shine a light on some of the unseen faces who put so much care into their work. As someone who regularly uses trains for art galleries and sittings, this seems a fitting way to celebrate the workers who keep the network running. Part of the joy of a portrait is to elevate the sitter as a subject of social importance for posterity and I can think of no better subject on this occasion than Manny.”

To discover more information about careers at Network Rail visit https://www.networkrail.co.uk/careers/

ENDS