This year marks 200 years since the first passenger train journey on the. To mark the occasion, Lucy Pittaway has created a new piece of artwork capturing the moment Locomotion No.1 crossed the Skerne Bridge in Darlington on 27th September 1825.
Taking inspiration from John Dobbin’s original painting of the scene, Lucy has reimagined the event in her own style, bringing the history of the day to life in a way that’s unique to her work.
“When I was asked to create a piece of art for the anniversary, I knew I wanted to tell the story in my own way,” says Lucy. “The Skerne Bridge had to be part of it, and I wanted to show the excitement of that day while adding a few touches that people will recognise. It’s special to celebrate a moment in history that began right here in our region.”
The artwork will be available as limited-edition prints, along with a small range of merchandise including, cushions, tea towels, and notepads, all featuring the scene.
The project has personal meaning for Lucy. Having grown up close to the railway line and even designing a tea towel celebrating Locomotion No.1 as a student at Darlington College of Technology, it feels fitting to be marking the bicentenary in this way.
You can see the new Stockton & Darlington Railway 200 collection online at lucypittaway.co.uk or in galleries across Yorkshire, Cumbria, and the North East, including York, Harrogate, Keswick, Bowness, Brompton-on-Swale, Richmond, Yarm, and Newcastle-upon-Tyne.