A new exhibition at the STEAM Museum entitled The Art of Publicity has now officially opened its doors to the public. The special exhibition focuses on the artwork used to publicise tourist destinations along the GWR’s routes. It includes railway posters and beautiful carriage prints from the STEAM collection.
Visitors to museum will discover the ways in which the Great Western Railway’s publicity department worked hard to advertise the company’s service and encourage holiday makers to travel by rail. This included employing some of the finest graphic designers of the time to produce the artwork for its posters.
To accompany the new exhibition, visitors are invited to join STEAM on a virtual journey through time across the GWR network. On a monthly basis during 2018, STEAM social media channels will share a picture of a location along the GWR route, beginning at Paddington Station in London, travelling west and ending in Penzance in Cornwall.
Garry Perkins, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for STEAM, said:
”This is a fascinating exhibition and is a real must for anyone with an interest in the history of the GWR. Some of the posters and carriage prints are marvellous pieces of work and really bring to life how the GWR marketed numerous destinations along its railway lines.”
The museum will also share various historical photographs, illustrations and vintage railway posters throughout the year. You can follow STEAM on Facebook and Twitter.
The Art of Publicity is included with standard STEAM admission, special event admission, and also to STEAM season ticket holders.
STEAM is open every day Monday to Saturday between 10am and 5pm and on Sundays from 11am to 4pm.
