Painting of train window view is voted best UK railway art

A piece of art depicting the Wiltshire countryside through a train window has been voted as the public’s favourite UK railway-themed artwork.

Train Landscape was painted by Eric Ravilious in the 1940s, showing the Westbury White Horse through a third-class train carriage.

His wife Tirzah Garwood made the collage section of the piece, using sections of different watercolours her husband had painted while travelling on trains.

The artwork beat 19 others, including the works of JMW Turner and David Shepherd, in a global Railway 200 poll held to mark two centuries of the modern railway.

The winner was announced earlier, on the anniversary of the birth of the railway pioneer George Stephenson.

Mr Ravilious’ granddaughter Ella Ravilious said she was “thrilled” her grandfather’s work had won.

“He was quite a picky artist,” she said. “He would tear up lots of his watercolours that he wasn’t happy with.”

She said it’s “fitting” the piece is now marking 200 years of the railway because it is a composite picture of elements from several different railway lines.

“I’m thrilled that interest in Eric’s work has sustained and that he is becoming even more popular,” Ms Ravilious added.

Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross said the artwork was a worthy victor.

“This evocative watercolour invites us all to experience a railway journey through an artist’s eye, capturing a uniquely British perspective that resonates today.

“Art offers us a powerful way to engage with our past and this selection of artworks tell the unique story of Britain’s relationship with railways over 200 years.”

The 20 most popular paintings are available to view on the Art UK website until the end of the year.

“I encourage everyone to explore these magnificent works and find inspiration from our shared cultural heritage,” Baroness Twycross added.