The upper section depicts the locomotive Jupiter, built in 1831 by Robert Stephenson & Co. It hauls a “train of first-class carriages with the mail.” The passengers are seated in small enclosed carriages still reminiscent of stagecoaches, while their luggage is loaded onto the roofs. The train also includes a carriage reserved for transporting mail.
The lower section most likely represents the locomotive North Star, built in 1830. It pulls a “train of second-class carriages for outside passengers.” Considerably less protected, the passengers are crowded into open carriages fitted with simple benches.
This striking contrast perfectly illustrates the differences in comfort between the social classes during the early years of railway travel. Less affluent passengers were exposed to wind, rain, smoke and flying cinders.
The Science and Industry Museum in Manchester provides detailed accounts of these early railway travelling conditions.
Dimensions : Frame: Width ?? in. – Height ?? in. / Frame moulding: ?? in.,
(Frame: Width ?? cm – Height ?? cm / Frame moulding: ?? cm)
Condition : PERFECT CONDITION – Only a few minor spots of foxing to note,
Period : Engraving: SECOND HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY,
Framing : CONTEMPORARY – Comprising a bevelled inner border with an antique gold finish and a wide straw-yellow moiré-silk mount. The whole is presented beneath glass in an elegant burr walnut frame.
Crédit Agricole
ou LYDIA 