IAN SWANKIE

On the Right Tracks

This is a day where we immerse ourselves in railway and infrastructure subjects. It is not a train spotters conference, but an illustrated survey of the fabulous architecture, engineering, design and art which is all around us when we travel by rail. Then we take a detailed look at the brilliance of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s projects.

1. Great Railway Stations

If you think of St Pancras International, you imagine long romantic journeys. You know it is a special place promising excitement and adventure. There are dozens of other glorious stations in the UK. We will take a journey around some of the most evocative and splendid stations looking not only at the magnificence of the architecture and the brilliant engineering but will discover numerous artworks within the stations and examine many depictions of stations in art, such as William Powell Frith’s Paddington. It may sound a bit anoraky, but it’s definitely not. It’s lavish, colourful and fun.

2. Underground Cathedrals - the world-class art, architecture and design of London Underground.

The world’s first underground railway has a wonderful heritage of architecture, ingenious design, powerful advertising posters and unique calligraphy. In this talk we plot the early development of the Underground, examine the legacy of Frank Pick and Charles Holden, look at some of the iconic posters, and celebrate the award-winning architecture of the modern Tube in the new Elizabeth Line stations, designed by some of the world’s top architects.

3. The Brilliance of Brunel - the man who built the modern world

We are still living amongst the infrastructure created by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. He changed the face of the English landscape with his brilliant projects including railways, bridges, tunnels, ships and grand buildings including the magnificent Clifton Suspension Bridge. He merged art with engineering and science and was a pioneer and a revolutionary. And he was brilliant. We'll look at the man, his background, his work, and his legacy.