New railway photographic exhibition launches at Steam

By Barrie Hudson - 19 December 2023

AttractionsHeritage
  • Tank locomotive No.7 Owain Glyndwr, Quarry Cutting, Devil’s Bridge, Vale of Rheidol Railway, 11th April 2019, by Richard Bell

    Tank locomotive No.7 Owain Glyndwr, Quarry Cutting, Devil’s Bridge, Vale of Rheidol Railway, 11th April 2019, by Richard Bell

'Locomotives Through the Lens’ is the title of the latest photographic exhibition at Steam.

  • The exhibition space at Steam

    The exhibition space at Steam

It explores the stories behind remarkable photographs in the museum's exclusive new 2024 calendar, 'Western Steam'.

The exhibition features a selection of photographs taken by talented railway photographer, Richard Bell.

Covering the period from 2008 to 2023, the images showcase the wealth of preserved GWR and Western region locomotives operating during that time on both heritage railways and on the main line. 

Set against a backdrop of the majestic British countryside, the photographs span the breadth of the historic Great Western Railway network from north Wales to south Devon, and from Berkshire to west Wales. 

The exhibition images are being displayed in large scale for the first time, enabling visitors to feel immersed within each of the scenes. 

Alongside each image is an explanation of how the photograph was achieved, sometimes demonstrating that the right weather conditions, persistence and good luck play as much a part in getting the perfect shot as experience and know-how.

Cllr Marina Strinkovsky, Cabinet Member for Heritage, Art and Culture said, “I’m always impressed by the exhibitions that Steam puts on, and this is no exception. 

“The work from Richard Bell is incredible and the images are simply stunning. Capturing trains in motion is technically challenging and requires a really good eye. I highly recommend a trip to Steam to check the exhibition out.”

Frances Yeo, Swindon Museums Manager said: “It’s great to see our new Locomotives Through the Lens exhibition opening in the Museum’s Caerphilly Castle Hall.

“This finale to our 2023 exhibitions programme at Steam explores the motivations and commitment needed to achieve the perfect photograph. 

“Richard’s experience, dedication and enthusiasm for the subject matter comes through in every image as well as in his accompanying commentaries.”

The exhibition runs until mid-2024 and is included within the museum’s standard admission fee.

Copies of the Museum’s Western Steam calendar can be purchased from the museum shop or from the Museum’s website.

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