New exhibition to launch at STEAM

A brand new exhibition launches on Friday (30 March) at STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway in Swindon.

Entitled The GWR Publicity Machine, the special exhibition explores the history of the GWR’s publicity department and the wonderful advertising materials that it produced. The GWR led the way in advertising and promoting its brand during the first half of the twentieth century.

The Cornish Riviera campaign was a particularly successful advertising campaign, launched in 1904 to promote the company’s Paddington to Penzance service. Posters and publications were used to advertise the service and the destination, and it proved so successful that the Cornish Riviera slogan is still used today.

Visitors to STEAM will discover the enduring style of the GWR brand.

On display in the exhibition is a wealth of GWR publicity material.  This ranges from guide books and advertising leaflets, to souvenir bookmarks and the famous GWR jigsaw puzzles.

Also included is a glass inkwell embossed with the well-known GWR slogan Go Great Western.

This exhibition is supported by Great Western Railway.

Once visitors have experienced the exhibition, they can enjoy many more historical photographs, illustrations and vintage railway posters throughout the coming year. Follow the museum on Facebook: @SteamMuseum, and Twitter: @Steam_Museum.

The GWR Publicity Machine is included with standard STEAM admission, special event admission, and also to STEAM Season Ticket holders. The new exhibition will be open from Friday, 30 March.

STEAM is open every day Monday to Saturday between 10am and 5pm, and on Sundays between 11am and 4pm.