Railways: A History in Drawings

The development of the railways in Britain in the 19th century is documented in exquisite detail in a million drawings held in the National Railway Museum in York. These drawings showcase the engineering history of great innovations and triumphs, including the Forth Bridge, and reveal the work of famous pioneers such as Richard Trevithick, George Stephenson, and Nigel Gresley. Other plans include Queen Victoria's royal saloon and a traveling post office, as well as contemporary photographs and posters.

Format: Hardback
Length: 306 pages
Publication date: 26 August 2021
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

The arrival of railways in Britain played a pivotal role in its remarkable economic and social transformation during the 19th century. These advancements were truly remarkable and showcased a level of technical expertise that was the envy of the world. From the very beginning, meticulous drawings meticulously documented every aspect of the railway system, including locomotives, carriages, wagons, stations, bridges, and tunnels. These detailed plans were created to streamline the manufacturing process and ensure the efficient maintenance of the rapidly expanding railway network.

To facilitate these objectives, extensive and intricate drawings were produced, showcasing the engineering prowess of the time. Astonishingly, approximately one million of these magnificent drawings have managed to survive and are now housed in the National Railway Museum in York. In his book, Christopher Valkoinen has carefully curated a selection of over 130 examples, showcasing the engineering history of great innovations and triumphs. These include iconic structures such as the Forth Bridge, as well as the work of renowned pioneers like Richard Trevithick, George Stephenson, and Nigel Gresley, who are associated with the legendary Flying Scotsman.

The plans presented in this book encompass a wide range of subjects, from the luxurious royal saloon of Queen Victoria to a traveling post office. They also feature designs for stations, tea rooms, and even modern experiments with hovertrains. Furthermore, the book includes drawings for railways in various countries around the world, including the United States, Russia, Japan, India, Australia, and Egypt. These drawings are accompanied by contemporary photographs and posters, providing a comprehensive view of the railway's global impact.

Beyond their historical significance, these drawings are also remarkable works of art in their own right. They were painstakingly produced by highly skilled artists who poured their hearts and souls into their work. The level of detail and precision is astounding, and each drawing tells a unique story about the evolution of the railway system. Valkoinen's book offers valuable insights into the social and political impact of the railways, highlighting how they transformed society and facilitated economic growth. He also emphasizes that these drawings are not just reference tools for historians or modelmakers but are exquisite pieces of art that can be appreciated on their own merits.

In conclusion, the advent of railways in Britain was a pivotal moment in history, and the meticulous drawings that documented this transformation are a testament to the incredible engineering prowess and artistic talent of the time. Christopher Valkoinen's book, with its stunning collection of drawings, provides a captivating glimpse into the engineering history of great innovations and triumphs, as well as the social and political impact of the railways. These drawings are not only a valuable resource for historians and enthusiasts but also serve as exquisite works of art that can be appreciated by anyone with an interest in the history and beauty of engineering.

Weight: 2294g
Dimension: 246 x 340 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500021675