Skip to main content

Rights Managed > STEAM Museum of the GWR > Stations and Halts > London Stations > Paddington Station

Female stewardess, 1917

Female stewardess, 1917


Image Downloads
Canvas Prints
Fine Art Prints
Metal Prints
Home Decor


We accept all major credit cards

STEAM Picture Gifts

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from STEAM Museum

Female stewardess, 1917

A Dining Car Waitress in her crisp white apron stands in the doorway of dining car No. 9546 on Platform 2, Paddington Station in 1917. Rail travel during the war was not just restricted to essential journeys. Travel for pleasure continued according to Mr Guy Calthrop, General Manager of the London and North Western Railway, who was asked to represent all of the railway companies before the Man Power Distribution Board. In his report of October 1916 Mr Calthrop stated that there is an enormous amount of " joy-riding" on railways at the present time ; and facilities such as on-board dining for long journeys were as integral to the service the GWR offered its customers as before the war began

STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway

Media ID 8500781

© STEAM Museum of the GWR

Female First World War Paddington Woman Dining Car Stewardess


FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS

> Carriages and Wagons > Passenger Coaches > Buffet and Restaurant Cars

> People > Railway Workers

> People > Women

> The Railway at War > First World War

> Stations and Halts > London Stations > Paddington Station


EDITORS COMMENTS
In this print from 1917, we catch a glimpse of a female stewardess standing proudly in the doorway of dining car No. 9546 on Platform 2 at Paddington Station. Dressed in her crisp white apron, she exudes elegance and professionalism as she serves passengers during the tumultuous times of World War I. While rail travel was primarily reserved for essential journeys during the war, Mr Guy Calthrop, General Manager of the London and North Western Railway, emphasized that pleasure travel continued to thrive. In his report of October 1916, he highlighted the significant amount of "joy-riding" taking place on railways at that time. The GWR (Great Western Railway) understood the importance of providing exceptional service to its customers even amidst wartime constraints. On-board dining facilities were integral to their commitment to passenger satisfaction before and throughout the war. This photograph captures not only a moment frozen in time but also represents an era when rail travel offered respite from daily hardships. It reminds us that even during challenging times like World War I, people sought moments of joy and escape through leisurely journeys across picturesque landscapes. Preserved by STEAM Museum of the GWR, this image allows us to appreciate both the dedication and resilience displayed by railway staff who served with grace and dignity while ensuring passengers experienced comfort and enjoyment along their travels.

MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee

FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools

FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!

SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you

* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.

lightbox add My Lightbox




Related Images


Quick Lunch and Snack Bar at Paddington Station, 1936
Quick Lunch and Snack Bar at Paddington Station, 1936
GWR Buffet Car, c1938
GWR Buffet Car, c1938
GWR Buffet Car, c1930s
GWR Buffet Car, c1930s
Chef preparing food in the Restaurant Car kitchen, 1946
Chef preparing food in the Restaurant Car kitchen, 1946
Buffet Car from the 1930s
Buffet Car from the 1930s
Buffet Car No 9631, c1934
Buffet Car No 9631, c1934
GWR First Class Sleeper Car, 1946
GWR First Class Sleeper Car, 1946
GWR Refreshment Department Platform Trolley, May 1937
GWR Refreshment Department Platform Trolley, May 1937
Refreshments at Paddington Station, c. 1920
Refreshments at Paddington Station, c. 1920
GWR Restaurant Car, 1938
GWR Restaurant Car, 1938
Buffet Car No 9631, c1934
Buffet Car No 9631, c1934
GWR Third Class sleeping car, 1946
GWR Third Class sleeping car, 1946

+

Shipping

+

Choices

+

Reviews

+

Guaranteed




Related Collections


Paddington Station
Paddington Station
Browse 99 Prints
Buffet and Restaurant Cars
Buffet and Restaurant Cars
Browse 23 Prints
Railway Workers
Railway Workers
Browse 70 Prints
Women
Women
Browse 81 Prints
First World War
First World War
Browse 26 Prints