The Beauty of Transport
@thebeautyoftransport.com
Examples, opinions, thoughts, retweets of transport art/architecture/design/branding/logos/liveries/moquettes etc from The Beauty of Transport’s @danielhwright.bsky.social Long form articles at:
www.thebeautyoftransport.com
www.thebeautyoftransport.com
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Invisible Masterpieces – the Big Four’s Stations 1923-47 (and a book all about them)
Have you ever had a project you’ve started on without any idea of the scale of work you’ve just committed to? Well, if you want to know one of the reasons that I haven’t been writ…
thebeautyoftransport.com
I'm excited to announce I've collaborated with photographer Philip Butler (@artdecomagpie.bsky.social) on a book of mainline stations from the Big Four era 1923-47. A treat for lovers of railway Modernism (and Neo-classicism). Full details in article. thebeautyoftransport.com/2026/01/04/i...
Reposted by The Beauty of Transport
I don't think this picture needs any words!
Well, OK. Just a couple .... #Wow #Splendid and ... what incredible work by UK Rail Leasing who have completed this work for us at @125.group.
@todaysrailwaysuk.bsky.social @railfocus.bsky.social
Well, OK. Just a couple .... #Wow #Splendid and ... what incredible work by UK Rail Leasing who have completed this work for us at @125.group.
@todaysrailwaysuk.bsky.social @railfocus.bsky.social
January 23, 2026 at 6:30 PM
I don't think this picture needs any words!
Well, OK. Just a couple .... #Wow #Splendid and ... what incredible work by UK Rail Leasing who have completed this work for us at @125.group.
@todaysrailwaysuk.bsky.social @railfocus.bsky.social
Well, OK. Just a couple .... #Wow #Splendid and ... what incredible work by UK Rail Leasing who have completed this work for us at @125.group.
@todaysrailwaysuk.bsky.social @railfocus.bsky.social
Four new and one updated records added to the Mainline Station Heritage Artefacts Collection thanks to a regular contributor. If you're inspired to join them, full details via the link. Updates include Wendy Hardie's remarkable frieze in the underpass at Hackney Wick.
Latest stations added to site
Frome Glasgow Queen Street (updated) Hackney Wick Lapworth (submitted by Hazel Nicholson) Long Buckby (submitted by Hazel Nicholson) Thank you very much to the contributors mentioned above! If you're inspired to take part yourself, check out the "Join In" page. To keep up to date with new stations and artefacts added to the website, subscribe below:
stationheritageartefacts.org.uk
January 21, 2026 at 4:09 PM
Four new and one updated records added to the Mainline Station Heritage Artefacts Collection thanks to a regular contributor. If you're inspired to join them, full details via the link. Updates include Wendy Hardie's remarkable frieze in the underpass at Hackney Wick.
Let's look at stations built by the Great Western Railway (post-Grouping version 1923-47).
(Of course this is partly a plug for new book #TracksideTransformation by
@artdecomagpie.bsky.social and me which profiles survivors: pre-order yours for a saving on the cover price at: kck.st/3YjDPIO) 1/11
(Of course this is partly a plug for new book #TracksideTransformation by
@artdecomagpie.bsky.social and me which profiles survivors: pre-order yours for a saving on the cover price at: kck.st/3YjDPIO) 1/11
January 21, 2026 at 10:58 AM
Let's look at stations built by the Great Western Railway (post-Grouping version 1923-47).
(Of course this is partly a plug for new book #TracksideTransformation by
@artdecomagpie.bsky.social and me which profiles survivors: pre-order yours for a saving on the cover price at: kck.st/3YjDPIO) 1/11
(Of course this is partly a plug for new book #TracksideTransformation by
@artdecomagpie.bsky.social and me which profiles survivors: pre-order yours for a saving on the cover price at: kck.st/3YjDPIO) 1/11
Nine new and four updated records added to the Mainline Station Heritage Artefacts Collection thanks to two different contributors. If you're inspired to join them, full details via the link. Updates include Lichfield Trent Valley's huge stone name sign / distance marker © Hazel NIcholson
Latest stations added to site
Ashington (updated) (submitted by Paul Webster) Birmingham New Street (submitted by Hazel Nicholson) Blyth Bebside (submitted by Paul Webster) Farringdon (updated) Feltham Five Ways Folkestone Central Folkestone West Hatton (submitted by Hazel Nicholson) Lichfield Trent Valley (submitted by Hazel Nicholson) Newsham (updated) (submitted by Paul Webster) Polesworth (submitted by Hazel Nicholson) Seaton Delaval (updated) Thank you very much to the contributors mentioned above!
stationheritageartefacts.org.uk
January 20, 2026 at 11:13 AM
Nine new and four updated records added to the Mainline Station Heritage Artefacts Collection thanks to two different contributors. If you're inspired to join them, full details via the link. Updates include Lichfield Trent Valley's huge stone name sign / distance marker © Hazel NIcholson
Reposted by The Beauty of Transport
Side entrance and bridge at Bishopstone station, East Sussex
January 18, 2026 at 1:42 PM
Side entrance and bridge at Bishopstone station, East Sussex
Two station pages opened on the Station Heritage Artefacts Collection today, thanks to one of my regular correspondents. Including this coloured glass window at Kenilworth, salvaged from the previous station building (© Hazel Nicholson). Join in via https://stationheritageartefacts.org.uk
Latest stations added to site
Kenilworth (submitted by Hazel Nicholson) Warwick Parkway (submitted by Hazel Nicholson) Thank you very much to the contributor mentioned above! If you're inspired to take part yourself, check out the "Join In" page. To keep up to date with new stations and artefacts added to the website, subscribe below:
stationheritageartefacts.org.uk
January 16, 2026 at 11:41 AM
Two station pages opened on the Station Heritage Artefacts Collection today, thanks to one of my regular correspondents. Including this coloured glass window at Kenilworth, salvaged from the previous station building (© Hazel Nicholson). Join in via https://stationheritageartefacts.org.uk
I really like this signal box and I really like @artdecomagpie.bsky.social’s capture of it here.
(For more of This Sort of Thing do give Philip a follow, he is currently posting some lovely railway shots from the upcoming book )
(For more of This Sort of Thing do give Philip a follow, he is currently posting some lovely railway shots from the upcoming book )
Signal box, Portsmouth Harbour station (1946) / Southern Railway
January 15, 2026 at 8:12 PM
I really like this signal box and I really like @artdecomagpie.bsky.social’s capture of it here.
(For more of This Sort of Thing do give Philip a follow, he is currently posting some lovely railway shots from the upcoming book )
(For more of This Sort of Thing do give Philip a follow, he is currently posting some lovely railway shots from the upcoming book )
In some ways this is Very Disappointing. First, for architectural reasons (obvs - have you seen it?), and second, because it was starting to look like White Rose would join that exclusive list of stations built but unopened like Lullingstone, Collywell Bay...
www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/news/deadloc...
www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/news/deadloc...
Deadlock broken at White Rose rail station as Mayor vows to push ahead with delivery
Legacy issues at key new rail station for West Yorkshire resolved
www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk
January 15, 2026 at 12:03 PM
In some ways this is Very Disappointing. First, for architectural reasons (obvs - have you seen it?), and second, because it was starting to look like White Rose would join that exclusive list of stations built but unopened like Lullingstone, Collywell Bay...
www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/news/deadloc...
www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/news/deadloc...
Eight new or updated records added to the Mainline Station Heritage Artefacts Collection thanks to two different contributors. If you're inspired to join them, full details are on the website. Updates include this fabulous British Railways-era(?) warning sign © Hazel NIcholson
Latest stations added to site
Atherstone (submitted by Hazel Nicholson) Berkswell (updated) (submitted by Hazel Nicholson) Exeter St Davids (updated) (submitted by Hazel Nicholson) Exmouth (submitted by Hazel Nicholson) Heysham Port (updated) (submitted by Mike Mellor) Northampton (updated) (submitted by Hazel Nicholson) Rugby (updated) (submitted by Hazel Nicholson) Wilmcote (submitted by Hazel Nicholson) Thank you very much to the contributors mentioned above! If you're inspired to take part yourself, check out the "Join In" page. To keep up to date with new stations and artefacts added to the website, subscribe below:
stationheritageartefacts.org.uk
January 14, 2026 at 5:01 PM
Eight new or updated records added to the Mainline Station Heritage Artefacts Collection thanks to two different contributors. If you're inspired to join them, full details are on the website. Updates include this fabulous British Railways-era(?) warning sign © Hazel NIcholson
Reposted by The Beauty of Transport
Footbridge at Exeter St Davids station, showing original GWR tiling (1938), and murals by Bridget Hall (1992)
January 14, 2026 at 1:07 PM
Footbridge at Exeter St Davids station, showing original GWR tiling (1938), and murals by Bridget Hall (1992)
Let's look at stations built by the London, Midland & Scottish Railway (1923-47).
(Of course this is partly a plug for new book #TracksideTransformation by
@artdecomagpie.bsky.social
and me which profiles survivors: pre-order your copy for a saving on the cover price at: kck.st/3YjDPIO) 1/11
(Of course this is partly a plug for new book #TracksideTransformation by
@artdecomagpie.bsky.social
and me which profiles survivors: pre-order your copy for a saving on the cover price at: kck.st/3YjDPIO) 1/11
January 14, 2026 at 10:17 AM
Let's look at stations built by the London, Midland & Scottish Railway (1923-47).
(Of course this is partly a plug for new book #TracksideTransformation by
@artdecomagpie.bsky.social
and me which profiles survivors: pre-order your copy for a saving on the cover price at: kck.st/3YjDPIO) 1/11
(Of course this is partly a plug for new book #TracksideTransformation by
@artdecomagpie.bsky.social
and me which profiles survivors: pre-order your copy for a saving on the cover price at: kck.st/3YjDPIO) 1/11
I am absolutely here for decluttering, BSL screens, accessibility improvements, but why on earth are GTR inventing a whole new wayfinding schema when (a) Network Rail's Wayfinding manual already exists, and (b) GBR wants to re-sign stations too in the near future?
www.mynewsdesk.com/uk/govia-tha...
www.mynewsdesk.com/uk/govia-tha...
Enfield Chase sets standard for future station improvements – smoother, simpler, more enjoyable journeys
The first example of Govia Thameslink Railway’s (GTR’s) new Model Stations concept has seen customer satisfaction among passengers at Enfield Chase surge to 93%
www.mynewsdesk.com
January 12, 2026 at 4:29 PM
I am absolutely here for decluttering, BSL screens, accessibility improvements, but why on earth are GTR inventing a whole new wayfinding schema when (a) Network Rail's Wayfinding manual already exists, and (b) GBR wants to re-sign stations too in the near future?
www.mynewsdesk.com/uk/govia-tha...
www.mynewsdesk.com/uk/govia-tha...
Ten new or updated records added to the Mainline Station Heritage Artefacts Collection thanks to seven different contributors. If you're inspired to join them, full details are on the website. (NSE totem image by Lewis Collard / rail.lewiscollard.com)
Latest stations added to site
Basingstoke (submitted by Paul Webster) Canley (submitted by Paul Webster) Coventry (updated) (submitted by Hazel Nicholson) Dorridge (updated) (submitted by Paul Webster) Edinburgh Waverley (updated) (submitted by Mike Mellor) Shipley (updated) (submitted by Mark Morton) Shoeburyness (submitted by Christopher Huang) Southend Central (updated) (submitted by Christopher Huang) Watlington (submitted by Lewis Collard / www.rail.lewiscollard.com) Welwyn North (submitted by George Barnard)
stationheritageartefacts.org.uk
January 12, 2026 at 1:06 PM
Ten new or updated records added to the Mainline Station Heritage Artefacts Collection thanks to seven different contributors. If you're inspired to join them, full details are on the website. (NSE totem image by Lewis Collard / rail.lewiscollard.com)
Today's artefacts records added to stationheritageartefacts.org.uk are:
- East Midlands Parkway
- Eastleigh
- Edinburgh Gateway
- Edinburgh Park
- Effingham Junction
- Haymarket
Submit artefacts you've found at stations: stationheritageartefacts.org.uk/join-in/
- East Midlands Parkway
- Eastleigh
- Edinburgh Gateway
- Edinburgh Park
- Effingham Junction
- Haymarket
Submit artefacts you've found at stations: stationheritageartefacts.org.uk/join-in/
A Mainline Station Heritage Artefacts Collection
Celebrating railway history through sharing photos of heritage artefacts at British railway stations, old and new
www.stationheritageartefacts.org.uk
January 9, 2026 at 1:05 PM
Today's artefacts records added to stationheritageartefacts.org.uk are:
- East Midlands Parkway
- Eastleigh
- Edinburgh Gateway
- Edinburgh Park
- Effingham Junction
- Haymarket
Submit artefacts you've found at stations: stationheritageartefacts.org.uk/join-in/
- East Midlands Parkway
- Eastleigh
- Edinburgh Gateway
- Edinburgh Park
- Effingham Junction
- Haymarket
Submit artefacts you've found at stations: stationheritageartefacts.org.uk/join-in/
Let's talk about stations built by the Southern Railway (1923-47) but rather than happy survivors, some which have been lost or are under threat.
(Of course this is partly a plug for new book #TracksideTransformation by @artdecomagpie.bsky.social and me which profiles survivors: kck.st/3YjDPIO) 1/9
(Of course this is partly a plug for new book #TracksideTransformation by @artdecomagpie.bsky.social and me which profiles survivors: kck.st/3YjDPIO) 1/9
January 8, 2026 at 11:02 AM
Let's talk about stations built by the Southern Railway (1923-47) but rather than happy survivors, some which have been lost or are under threat.
(Of course this is partly a plug for new book #TracksideTransformation by @artdecomagpie.bsky.social and me which profiles survivors: kck.st/3YjDPIO) 1/9
(Of course this is partly a plug for new book #TracksideTransformation by @artdecomagpie.bsky.social and me which profiles survivors: kck.st/3YjDPIO) 1/9
Havant is really attractive station, yet little known for its architecture (lots of people change trains there, I bet most of them don't know what it looks like at the front). Sadly it lost its SR loos a few years back, but still scope to restore its booking hall windows I reckon. kck.st/3YjDPIO
A huge thanks to everyone who has backed our Kickstarter so far. We hit the base target yesterday, which is really gratifying. 🙏🙂 It runs until February 8th, so plenty of time to get involved if 20s and 30s railway stations are your thing.
Photo: Havant station, Hampshire (1938) / Southern Railway.
Photo: Havant station, Hampshire (1938) / Southern Railway.
January 7, 2026 at 3:52 PM
Havant is really attractive station, yet little known for its architecture (lots of people change trains there, I bet most of them don't know what it looks like at the front). Sadly it lost its SR loos a few years back, but still scope to restore its booking hall windows I reckon. kck.st/3YjDPIO
I thought it might be interesting to share some of the background to #TracksideTransformation (pre-order your copy at a discount on cover price at kck.st/3YjDPIO). I grew up in Luton (LMS station, 1939) and Hastings (Southern station, 1931). I'm very fond of Grouping-era stations.
January 7, 2026 at 10:31 AM
I thought it might be interesting to share some of the background to #TracksideTransformation (pre-order your copy at a discount on cover price at kck.st/3YjDPIO). I grew up in Luton (LMS station, 1939) and Hastings (Southern station, 1931). I'm very fond of Grouping-era stations.
Thanks so much to @ianvisits.co.uk for covering @artdecomagpie.bsky.social’s and my new book Trackside Transformation on mainline station architecture of the Grouping era.
January 6, 2026 at 10:05 AM
Thanks so much to @ianvisits.co.uk for covering @artdecomagpie.bsky.social’s and my new book Trackside Transformation on mainline station architecture of the Grouping era.
ICYMI - A new book about mainline railway station architecture from the Grouping era 1923-47 by @artdecomagpie.bsky.social (photography) and me (words). Pre-order for a discount: www.kickstarter.com/projects/art...
More details about what's included: thebeautyoftransport.com/2026/01/04/i...
More details about what's included: thebeautyoftransport.com/2026/01/04/i...
Trackside Transformation
A book documenting the architectural evolution of British Mainline Railway Stations (1923-1947)
www.kickstarter.com
January 5, 2026 at 10:09 AM
ICYMI - A new book about mainline railway station architecture from the Grouping era 1923-47 by @artdecomagpie.bsky.social (photography) and me (words). Pre-order for a discount: www.kickstarter.com/projects/art...
More details about what's included: thebeautyoftransport.com/2026/01/04/i...
More details about what's included: thebeautyoftransport.com/2026/01/04/i...
Reposted by The Beauty of Transport
Might be of some interest to people here, the photos look absolutely gorgeous. I've got my copy!
I'm excited to announce I've collaborated with photographer Philip Butler (@artdecomagpie.bsky.social) on a book of mainline stations from the Big Four era 1923-47. A treat for lovers of railway Modernism (and Neo-classicism). Full details in article. thebeautyoftransport.com/2026/01/04/i...
Invisible Masterpieces – the Big Four’s Stations 1923-47 (and a book all about them)
Have you ever had a project you’ve started on without any idea of the scale of work you’ve just committed to? Well, if you want to know one of the reasons that I haven’t been writ…
thebeautyoftransport.com
January 4, 2026 at 4:21 PM
Might be of some interest to people here, the photos look absolutely gorgeous. I've got my copy!
If you just want to go straight for a pre-order on the book (there's a discount on the cover price if you order now) then head for: www.kickstarter.com/projects/art...
January 4, 2026 at 12:05 PM
If you just want to go straight for a pre-order on the book (there's a discount on the cover price if you order now) then head for: www.kickstarter.com/projects/art...
I'm excited to announce I've collaborated with photographer Philip Butler (@artdecomagpie.bsky.social) on a book of mainline stations from the Big Four era 1923-47. A treat for lovers of railway Modernism (and Neo-classicism). Full details in article. thebeautyoftransport.com/2026/01/04/i...
Invisible Masterpieces – the Big Four’s Stations 1923-47 (and a book all about them)
Have you ever had a project you’ve started on without any idea of the scale of work you’ve just committed to? Well, if you want to know one of the reasons that I haven’t been writ…
thebeautyoftransport.com
January 4, 2026 at 11:15 AM
I'm excited to announce I've collaborated with photographer Philip Butler (@artdecomagpie.bsky.social) on a book of mainline stations from the Big Four era 1923-47. A treat for lovers of railway Modernism (and Neo-classicism). Full details in article. thebeautyoftransport.com/2026/01/04/i...
I had a lovely time a few days ago talking to @markonthemaps.bsky.social about transport design, aesthetics and its impact on culture. You can hear us on Mark’s podcast (back catalogue highly recommended): www.vectisradio.com/podcasts/cat...
CATCH-cast 37: Daniel Wright (Beauty Of Transport) - CATCH-cast
Can public transport be beautiful? Daniel Wright runs a whole website claiming it certainly can! From architecture to typefaces, posters to tickets...the charm and good design of our buses, stations, ...
www.vectisradio.com
January 3, 2026 at 9:28 AM
I had a lovely time a few days ago talking to @markonthemaps.bsky.social about transport design, aesthetics and its impact on culture. You can hear us on Mark’s podcast (back catalogue highly recommended): www.vectisradio.com/podcasts/cat...
I don’t, and I have wanted to see a copy for a veeeery long time. Can anyone help out @doublearrow64.bsky.social ?
January 2, 2026 at 10:23 PM
I don’t, and I have wanted to see a copy for a veeeery long time. Can anyone help out @doublearrow64.bsky.social ?
Thank goodness, I can finally say it. I have written a book! With architectural photographer @artdecomagpie.bsky.social!
See thread below for a link to pre-register with our Kickstarter so that we can actually pay the printers. More details when we launch officially on 4th January.
See thread below for a link to pre-register with our Kickstarter so that we can actually pay the printers. More details when we launch officially on 4th January.
Happy New Year!
Here’s a photo of Surbiton Station taken from my new book with @thebeautyoftransport.com ‘Trackside Transformation - The Evolution of British Mainline Stations 1923 - 1947’.
We’re running a Kickstarter to fund publication, which will launch this Sunday, January 4th.
Here’s a photo of Surbiton Station taken from my new book with @thebeautyoftransport.com ‘Trackside Transformation - The Evolution of British Mainline Stations 1923 - 1947’.
We’re running a Kickstarter to fund publication, which will launch this Sunday, January 4th.
January 1, 2026 at 2:12 PM
Thank goodness, I can finally say it. I have written a book! With architectural photographer @artdecomagpie.bsky.social!
See thread below for a link to pre-register with our Kickstarter so that we can actually pay the printers. More details when we launch officially on 4th January.
See thread below for a link to pre-register with our Kickstarter so that we can actually pay the printers. More details when we launch officially on 4th January.