Shildon Works Collection
- Made:
- 1910-1957
Photographs, a collection of approximately 940 silver gelatin glass negatives, 2½ x 3½ ins to 6½ x 8½ ins; 315 triacetate "safety" film negatives 35 mm to 4 x 5 ins; 10 2½ x 3½ cellulose nitrate negatives and 350 prints, 2¾ x 4½ ins to 6½ x 8½ ins. Featuring the Shildon Wagon Works of the North Eastern Railway, London & North Eastern Railway, British Railways, c1910-1957. Complete with handwritten register. The work of official photographers.
This collection represents the work of Shildon's official photographers who were employed by the North Eastern Railway and its successors, the London & North Eastern Railway and then British Railways. There are workshop scenes taken at Shildon and the nearby Walkergate Wagon Works, photographs of many types of newly completed wagons and a small number of images featuring people and events. The collection also contains photographs which did not originate from Shildon Works, including views of railway stations in the north of England in the 1950s.
Shildon Works was built for the Stockton & Darlington Railway in 1833, although initially used for locomotive construction was later converted to a wagon works. Following an extensive modernisation programme in the 1960s Shildon, now British Rail's largest wagon works, constructed a range of new designs for British and overseas orders, including cement wagons and 'merry-go-round' coal hoppers. However, increasing competition from road transport meant that orders dwindled, and the works closed in 1984.
Details
- Category:
- Photographic Collections (Railway)
- Object Number:
- 1997-7486
- type:
- photographs
- credit:
- British Rail Records Office