Today I made a spontaneous (first) visit to the STEAM museum - and most interesting it turned out to be. The museum is very cleverly laid out with recordings, films and sound effects bringing it to life at every turn.I enjoyed it thoroughly and recommend the Railway Festival being held this weekend on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September.
Ken White, Swindon's legendary artist who started his working life in Swindon's Railway Factory as a sign writer will be present. Ken has worked all around the world and has achieved considerable fame - he still lives Swindon, though as far as I am aware, the Borough does not actually own any of his work.
One of the three paintings by Swindon artist, Ken White. They hang in what is now the Designer Outlet Village - once part of the Engine Factory. This one shows the men leaving the factory by the Rodbourne bridges - the road and bridges remain unchanged.
The Evening Star comes home - for the Railway Festival
THEN
One of the evocative displays in the STEAM museum - a large photo display with real machinery in front of it, giving the allusion of men actually working.
NOWThe Designer Outlet Village (on a quiet day)
A back alley that runs between the small houses of the Railway Village - where many of the original railway workers lived.
A back alley that runs between the small houses of the Railway Village - where many of the original railway workers lived. 