Collections
- Introduction
- Official photography
- Private photography
- The masters
- Photography at NRM
- Image gallery
- References
The History of Railway Photography
Railway photographs at the National Railway Museum
Charing Cross station By NRM Photographers, November 1990
ref no. NRM LT 930379 © National Railway Museum/Science & Society Picture Library
The National Railway Museum today houses one of Britain's finest and most comprehensive photographic collections. With over 1.4 million images in the collection the photographs record not only the history of the railways and their technology, but also the social and cultural changes the railways bought about. A large number of the photographs were acquired from the railway companies themselves. The 1968 Transport Act allowed the museum to claim any objects or records of historic importance, including those produced by the railways. The rest of the national collection is made up of the material created by the private enthusiasts. Their work was often carried out for personal interest, but today provides vital historical and technical information. The collection ranges from a vast compilation of negatives reflecting a lifetime's work to individual prints taken to mark a day trip or special event.
L&MR centenary historical pagaent By MR official photographer, 1930
ref no. Derby 16758 © National Railway Museum/Science & Society Picture Library
The age and size of many of the collections has meant that great care has to be taken in order they survive for future generations. The NRM has recently invested in new high quality, environmentally controlled stores and is working to get all of its collections into good quality storage. The final aim is to make every image in the national collection accessible to the public.
The National Railway Museum has also been actively adding to its archive by using its own team of photographers. Since the NRM opened in 1975 the museum's photographic team have been involved in producing images for publications, exhibitions and magazines.
Wakefield Europort under construction
By NRM photographers, 1995
ref no. NRM LT 950418 © National Railway Museum/Science & Society Picture Library