Swindon 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

View of Swindon Station, 1895

This image was taken to mark the occasion of the abolition of the ten minute stop at Swindon. It was the first non-stop express through the station. Since 1840 all trains to and from Bristol had to stop at Swindon to allow passengers to take refreshments

© STEAM Museum of the GWR

1890s, 1895, Express, Junction, Station, Swindon, Wiltshire

Mechanics Institute Luncheon, July 1908

This luncheon was held in the Reading Room of the Mechanics Institute. George Jackson Churchward, Chief Mechanical Engineer of the GWR, can be seen sat at the back of the room to the centre of the image. The Mechanics Institute was built in 1854 and was at the heart of the Railway Village

© STEAM Museum of the GWR

Churchward, Function, Luncheon, Mechanic, Swindon, Village