Press Releases
Railways posters showcase at the National Waterfront Museum
Date:
2016-07-15The National Waterfront Museum is delighted to unveil a brand new summer exhibition showcasing some of the most attractive and popular railways posters from the late 19th century.
Titled Wales By Rail: Welsh Railway Holiday Posters, the colourful posters are displayed on a backdrop of mock-up, wooden train platforms compete with benches and luggage – to create a feeling of waiting for a train.
© National Railway Museum/Science & Society Picture Library
The exhibition explores the expansion of the railway network in the late nineteenth century and how it became a way to travel for leisure as well as business. It highlights that even the remotest of places were easy to get to and details how people had an increasing amount of leisure time and going on holiday was a real adventure.
During this time railway companies commissioned artists to create these wonderful posters – many of which are on display – to be placed on hoardings, in stations and ticket offices. The aim was to entice commuters to escape their daily routine and go on holiday.
This is a perfect exhibition for the summer,” said Exhibition Officer, Jacqueline Roach. “The elegance and vibrancy of the posters is stunning to see.
From the stylish 1920s through to the fun of the 1960s these posters show the range of designs that were used to entice travellers to the many beautiful places in Wales.
These wonderful posters are part of the Amgueddfa Cymru collections and it is such a pleasure to be able to display them for our visitors to enjoy. I have a new favourite each time I look at them!
The exhibition and activity programme here is made possible thanks to the generous support from players of the People’s Postcode Lottery and we’re very grateful for their support,” she added.
Wales by Rail will be on display at the National Waterfront Museum until 9 October.