Image Licensing : No 4 Shop, Carriage Body Shop, 1937

EDITORS COMMENTS

This print takes us back to the year 1937, inside the walls of No 4 Shop at Swindon Works, where the artistry of carriage building unfolded. The image showcases a cramp and hydraulic jig, essential tools in constructing exquisite carriage doors that embodied both functionality and elegance. The cramp stands tall with its sturdy frame, ready to hold together various components of these intricate doors. Its presence exudes reliability and precision - qualities necessary for crafting such masterpieces. Adjacent to it is the hydraulic jig, an innovative device that ensured accurate alignment during assembly. A stack of door parts lies neatly lined up nearby, awaiting their transformation into fully functional carriage doors. Each piece carries a story within itself - carefully shaped and crafted by skilled hands before finding its place in this puzzle-like process. This snapshot offers a glimpse into the bustling atmosphere of Carriage Body Shop at Swindon Works during this era. It highlights not only the craftsmanship involved but also the meticulous planning required for each step in creating these remarkable carriages. Preserved within STEAM Museum's collection, this photograph serves as a testament to the ingenuity and dedication displayed by those who contributed to GWR's legacy. It invites us to appreciate not just the final product but also the behind-the-scenes efforts that brought these magnificent carriages to life – forever capturing our imagination with their timeless beauty.