Holidays by Train: New Exhibition

New exhibition celebrates the golden age of train travel to the seaside

Kents Bank Station Library, on the shores of Morecambe Bay, has launched a new exhibition on the theme of ‘Holidays by Train’. It's a joint initiative with the neighbouring Beach Hut Gallery.

The exhibition features historic posters as well as books and original timetables and handbills. The library itself has a stock of over 10,000 books and magazines featuring different aspects of railways, trams and canals. Most books can be borrowed and there is a growing ‘for sale’ section of duplicate books which have been donated by supporters. The library is a not-for-profit community interest company staffed entirely by volunteers.

“This is our first exhibition,” said library manager Paul Salveson. “It celebrates the golden age of train travel when families packed their suitcases and caught a steam-hauled train to resorts like Blackpool, Morecambe and Southport. The railway companies commissioned some superb posters to promote their services and we have some reproduction examples on display.”

As well as promoting mass tourism to the big resorts, companies like the Furness Railway promoted smaller resorts such as Grange-over-Sands and the Lake District. Well-respected artists such as Alfred Heaton-Cooper produced magnificent posters featuring Lake District scenes. Furness Abbey was another popular destination with a fine station, including a restaurant and covered walkway to the abbey!

“We hope the exhibition will inspire people to take the train today. Post-Covid, leisure travel has grown faster than commuting and there is huge potential for sustainable tourism using train and bus,“ said Paul. “Kents Bank is a perfect example of an easily accessible destination with our library and bookshop, cafe and the splendid Beach Hut Gallery next door - on a train route with regular services to Lancaster, Manchester, Preston and Barrow.”

The library features a pop-up station buffet which is open during opening hours and visitors can help themselves to complimentary teas and coffee. The exhibition is open every Friday Saturday and Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from 11.00 to 16.00.

*Image of poster promoting the exhibition based on a painting of Kents Bank by Alfred Heaton Cooper, by Martin Copley

Open from 11th July 11am - 4pm, Friday, Saturday, Sunday at Kents Bank Station Library, Kentsford road, Kents bank , Grange-over-Sand LA11 7BB.

Walk from Grange-over-Sands or hop on the train.