Author: Stuart Davies
Publisher: Pen and Sword Books
ISBN: 9781526776013
Price: RRP £30.00 (but available at a lower price)
Publication Date: 4th October 2022
Number of pages: 144
Format: Hardcover
How Obtained: Purchased
A characteristic of South Wales railways through time is their photogenic appeal. Whether it be iconic images of 0-6-2T engines at the head of heavy coal trains, a ‘Castle’ Class screaming out of the Severn Tunnel or the thrilling backdrop of the Clydach Gorge there was both variety and drama.
Highlighting the range of locations and subjects is South Wales Railways Gallery by Stuart Davies. It was published in October 2022 by Pen and Sword books.
The zenith of South Wales railways through the lens
Styling itself as a gallery, the book does not disappoint with 132 of its 144 pages containing photographs. As most pages contain two images, this means that well over 200 pictures are featured, mainly black and white, but some in colour. The author somewhat enigmatically claims that the pictures are arranged thematically. However, the themes aren’t identified and there is no clue in the form of chapter, sections or page footer text.
It is disappointing for diesel and modern image enthusiasts to note that the subject matter is almost wholly steam related. The few diesels featured being those of GWR railcars. Two maps, respectively covering South Wales to the west and east of Swansea along with an introduction precede the photographs.
The railways of South Wales have been an enticing subject since photography became a practical proposition in the middle of the nineteenth century. For example a photograph of Tredegar Iron Company ‘St David’ dates from about 1854 while a Taff Vale railway 0-6-0 locomotive was captured at Cardiff Docks around 1850 making it one of the earliest locomotive pictures in existence.
From pits to castles…….and a 1930 GWR publicity shot!
Since then almost every aspect: track, rolling stock and infrastructure has been fair game for the lens. Davies includes many of them, including some images only tangentially related to the railway. Neither are they limited to main line companies, with private owner systems featured such as a superb shot of the weighbridge at the NCB St John’s Colliery at Cwmdu.
The pictures chosen are good quality, clear and well reproduced. Selected from a number of different photographic collections and covering many aspects of railway operations there are some unexpected images. Caerphilly Castle, the ancient monument, is resplendant in a lovely aerial shot. This serves as a prompt to mention that the very first GWR Castle Class locomotive was Caerphilly and that Welsh titled Castles were rarely located in Welsh sheds.
Notable, also, is the four page introduction which manages to give a useful precis of South Wales railway historical background in a very short space! Despite the author’s aim of restricting the number of coal trains which appear in the book, very many still creep in. Indeed two Class 56xxs heading long rakes of wagons feature in the iconic cover photo – a famous GWR publicity shot from 1930.
In Summary
An excellent photographic survey of South Wales railways during their operational zenith which includes some rare and unusual images. Enjoyable and recommended, though if diesel locomotives are your thing you will be disappointed.
The Good
- Great range of well selected good quality images which are well reproduced
- Informative image captions and helpful regional maps
- Compact and interesting introduction section
The Not So Good
- Despite the author hinting at a broad thematic arrangement there is no indication what the themes may be
- The book is dedicated to the steam era with just a few electric tram and diesel railcar images appearing.
About the Author – Stuart Davies
Stuart Davies is a native of the Ogmore Valley and spent much of his formative years observing the operations at Tondu depot and its associated railway environs. This inspired him to pursue a railway career based initially in South Wales, then Carlisle, Bristol, East Anglia and the West Midlands, finally becoming a Senior Operations Executive.
(From Pen and Sword Books)
Related reviews
Regional History of the Railways of Great Britain: South Wales by D.S.M. Barrie
South Wales Branch Lines by Harold Morgan