The end of nuclear fuel reprocessing at Sellafield’s Thorp plant is to be commemorated with a unique art exhibition.

The Art of Reprocessing has been commissioned by the site’s operator, Sellafield Ltd, and is designed to celebrate the plant’s contribution to the global nuclear industry.

Thorp began operations in 1994, reprocessing spent nuclear fuel from 34 plants around the world.

It is one of only two commercial reprocessing sites in existence, but its switch-off next month is a key step in the transformation of Sellafield Ltd from nuclear operator to environmental restoration business.

The exhibition – which runs from November 17 at the Beacon Museum in Whitehaven – features sculptures, relief printing, collages, textural canvases, paintings, and sketches by artists from the UK and Japan.

Each piece has been individually commissioned to convey a moment in the life of the plant.

Exhibits include work by Hollie Morton-O’Fee, an art and design student at Egremont’s West Lakes Academy sixth form, and Taiwanese-born illustrator Chiyun Yeh, who has used her work to explore the relationship between the UK and Japan.

Jamie Reed, Sellafield Ltd’s head of development and community relations, said: “The end of reprocessing at Thorp is one of the most important events in Sellafield’s history.

"After the closure of Calder Hall, it’s the biggest change to our site in the 21st century.

“The plant has made a huge contribution to West Cumbria in terms of jobs, skills, pride, and prestige and The Art of Reprocessing will celebrate its unique achievements and the people who made it possible.”

The Art of Reprocessing opens with a VIP preview event and will be open to the public until early January 2019. A smaller version of the exhibition will stay open until March 2019.