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Image Licensing : Mechanics Institute Luncheon, July 1908
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Mechanics Institute Luncheon, July 1908
This luncheon was held in the Reading Room of the Mechanics Institute. George Jackson Churchward, Chief Mechanical Engineer of the GWR, can be seen sat at the back of the room to the centre of the image. The Mechanics Institute was built in 1854 and was at the heart of the Railway Village. STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway. © STEAM Museum of the GWR
Media ID 510584
Filename: R7 025.jpg
Size: 3000 x 2392 (741KB)
Date: 1st August 2007
Source: STEAM Museum of the GWR
Mechanic Swindon Village Churchward Function Luncheon
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> Places > Swindon's Railway Village > GWR Mechanics Institute
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the scene of the Mechanics Institute Luncheon held in Swindon, Wiltshire, in July 1908. The Mechanics Institute, a vital community hub in the heart of the Railway Village, was established in 1854 and played an integral role in the social and educational life of the town's mechanics and engineers. The image showcases the grand Reading Room, adorned with ornate wooden panels and filled with long tables set for a formal lunch. The room is bustling with activity as guests engage in animated conversations, some standing and others seated. At the back of the room, towards the centre, sits George Jackson Churchward, the esteemed Chief Mechanical Engineer of the Great Western Railway (GWR). His presence underscores the significance of the event, as he was a leading figure in the railway industry during this era. The Mechanics Institute function served as an opportunity for the local community to come together, fostering connections and exchanging knowledge. The event was not a commercial undertaking but rather a social gathering for individuals who shared a passion for mechanics and engineering. The photograph provides a fascinating glimpse into the past, offering insights into the rich history of Swindon and its railway heritage.
