Image Licensing : Railway Queen Mabel Kitson on King George V at Swindon, 1928

EDITORS COMMENTS

This photograph captures the youthful and radiant Mabel Kitson, the Railway Queen of 1927, perched confidently on the running board of the majestic King George V locomotive at Swindon Works in 1928. At just fifteen years old, Mabel had already made history as the youngest Railway Queen in the history of the Great Western Railway (GWR). Born into a railway family, with her father being a dedicated GWR signalman, Mabel's connection to the railway world ran deep. Her appointment as Railway Queen was a testament to her passion and enthusiasm for the industry that had been a part of her life since her early years. The King George V, a member of the iconic King Class locomotives, was one of the most powerful and elegant steam engines of its time. Its presence at Swindon Works, the heart of GWR engineering, provided the perfect backdrop for this photograph. The locomotive's gleaming brass and polished steel, combined with Mabel's vibrant outfit and infectious smile, create a striking contrast that encapsulates the spirit of the 1920s railway era. As an ambassador for British railway companies, Mabel traveled extensively, attending various events and promoting the railway industry. This photograph, taken during one of her visits to Swindon Works, serves as a testament to her unwavering dedication and love for the railway world. The image of Mabel and the King George V remains an enduring symbol of the golden age of steam railways and the extraordinary young woman who embodied their spirit.