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Photographic Print : GWR lorry delivering paintings from the National Gallery to a slate mine in Wales in 1940
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GWR lorry delivering paintings from the National Gallery to a slate mine in Wales in 1940
This photograph of a GWR lorry was taken around 1940. It shows the in delivery of historic and valuable paintings from the National Gallery in London to the disused Manod slate mine at Blaenau Ffestiniog, Wales. In the 10 days following the declaration of war on 3rd September 1939 the National Gallery, with the help of the GWR road cartage department, removed the majority of their paintings to safer locations in Wales. The GWR was praised by Gallery officers for their " wonderful work" and the " great care" with which the artworks were handled. In the next few months it was decided to store all the paintings in one location and the Manod slate mine was the perfect choice. The GWR assisted in the relocation which was completed by the summer of 1941
STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway
Media ID 19938879
Lorry Road Vehicle Wales World War 2 Blaenau Ffestiniog National Gallery
10"x8" Photo Print
Introducing the captivating photograph from the Media Storehouse collection, showcasing a rare moment in history. Witness the GWR lorry, laden with precious paintings from the National Gallery in London, making its way to the unexpected destination of a disused slate mine at Blaenau, Wales, around 1940. This evocative image, sourced from the STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway, offers a unique blend of art and industry, transporting you back in time. Add this intriguing piece to your decor and ignite conversations, as you proudly display this fascinating snapshot of history in your home or office.
Photo prints are produced on Kodak professional photo paper resulting in timeless and breath-taking prints which are also ideal for framing. The colors produced are rich and vivid, with accurate blacks and pristine whites, resulting in prints that are truly timeless and magnificent. Whether you're looking to display your prints in your home, office, or gallery, our range of photographic prints are sure to impress. Dimensions refers to the size of the paper in inches.
Our Photo Prints are in a large range of sizes and are printed on Archival Quality Paper for excellent colour reproduction and longevity. They are ideal for framing (our Framed Prints use these) at a reasonable cost. Alternatives include cheaper Poster Prints and higher quality Fine Art Paper, the choice of which is largely dependant on your budget.
Estimated Image Size (if not cropped) is 25.4cm x 18.4cm (10" x 7.2")
Estimated Product Size is 25.4cm x 20.3cm (10" x 8")
These are individually made so all sizes are approximate
Artwork printed orientated as per the preview above, with landscape (horizontal) orientation to match the source image.
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> Europe
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> Gwynedd
> Blaenau Ffestiniog
> Europe
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> Gwynedd
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> STEAM Museum of the GWR
> GWR Road Vehicles
> Road Motor Vehicles
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> War Workers
> STEAM Museum of the GWR
> The Railway at War
> Second World War
> STEAM Museum of the GWR
> The Railway at War
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, taken around 1940, transports us back to a significant moment in history. It captures the GWR lorry as it embarks on a crucial mission - delivering priceless paintings from the prestigious National Gallery in London to the safety of an unlikely sanctuary: the abandoned Manod slate mine nestled in picturesque Blaenau Ffestiniog, Wales. In response to the outbreak of World War II, officials at the National Gallery swiftly collaborated with the GWR road cartage department to safeguard their precious collection. Over a span of ten days following Britain's declaration of war on September 3rd, 1939, numerous artworks were carefully transported away from potential harm. The GWR's commendable efforts did not go unnoticed by gallery officers who praised their "wonderful work" and "great care" during this delicate operation. As time passed and plans evolved, it was decided that consolidating all these masterpieces into one secure location was essential. The Manod slate mine proved ideal for this purpose. With continued assistance from the GWR, this ambitious relocation project reached completion by summer 1941. This extraordinary image serves as a testament to both human determination and collaboration between two iconic institutions during times of adversity. Today, thanks to preservation efforts like those captured in this photograph print displayed at STEAM Museum of the GWR, we can still marvel at these invaluable works of art that found temporary refuge amidst Wales' rugged beauty.
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