Title - The West Highland Line - Observation Coach Train at Lochy Viaduct near Fort William.
Location - Inverlochy, Fort William, Inverness-shire Highland, Scotland.
Artist - Jack Merriott (1901-1968).
Description - This shows one of the rebuilt "beavertail" observation cars which had been used on the pre-war famous "Coronation" streamlined high speed trains between London and Edinburgh. It was transferred to the West Highland Line for services to Mallaig in 1956, and was rebuilt in 1959 to provide better viewing from inside. There are two versions of the poster, this showing the later version of observation car, so this was probably produced in 1959 to coincide with the new service. The view is of the small viaduct over the River Lochy as the train approaches the outskirts of Fort William on the other side, and is very similar today, with the addition of a footbridge next to the railway. Old Inverlochy Castle is just behind the train, and Ben Nevis is soaring into the clouds to the left of centre.
Year Published - c1959
Size - Quad Royal (approx 50 x 40in or 127 x 102cm)
Other Details:
Original Vintage British Railway Travel Poster.
Published by British Railways (Scottish Region) B 30521
Printed in Great Britain by Stafford & Co Ltd, Netherfield, Nottingham
Condition Grade and Condition Report:
Grade: A-, un-conserved.
Just original folds. Close-up photos available on request.
More About The Artist:
Jack Merriott was a landscape and portrait painter, who used both oil and watercolour media. He lectured widely, wrote and illustrated related books, and was vice president of the RI. He produced artwork for a large number of railway posters and carriage prints.
