Publicity Gallery

Swindon Mechanics Institute Pantomime poster, February 1860

This pantomime poster is an early example of the type of performances that took place at the GWR's Mechanics Institute in Swindon. The performances includes Babes in the Wood, or Harlequin and the Cruel Uncle, and State Secrets, or The Tailor of Tamworth

© STEAM Museum of the GWR

1860, 1860s, Institute, Mechanics, Pantomime, Poster, Swindon, Theatre, Victorian

Winter in the West publicity guide, 1933

This publicity brochure was produced by the GWR in 1933. It was designed by Leonard Cusden and used to promote winter holiday destinations. By the 1930s the GWR were using strong stylised images in their promotional campaigns. Exotic imagery was popular amongst Art Deco designers. The pier in the background of this image is reminiscent of a Chinese pagoda with the surrounding black trees adding a touch of the Orient

© STEAM Museum of the GWR

Damaged railway lamps, 1942

These rather forlorn looking lamps appeared in an article from the April 1942 edition of the GWR Magazine. The article looks at the daily toll of damaged and lost locomotive equipment and it called upon employees to make a positive contribution to this loss and damage. During the war there was a shortage of raw materials and unnecessary repairs or replacements took its toll on resources. For example, over 200 lamps a week were arriving at Swindon Works for repair. It was considered an employee's "National Duty" to keep the nation's transport system running smoothly