Never-before-seen rail photography showcased in new book

The Eric Oldham Legacy Collection features previously unpublished photographs and paintings from the country's railways between the 1940s and the 1980s. 

John Hillier and Eric's nephew, Sir John Oldham, have worked together on bringing the collection of the accomplished photographer to light.

Having trained at Art College where a successful career in art beckoned, family circumstances dictated that instead Eric took over the family confectionery business in Hyde, Cheshire where he became a Master Baker.

Despite the limitations placed on him by commitments of his shop and by not having a car, Eric made successful photographic forays over about 40 years to varied locations all around the UK and this book includes images from each Region of British Railways.

Eric joined the prestigious Railway Photographic Society in 1950 and was appointed an Honorary Member of the Guild of Railway Artists for his work in helping set up the Guild.

John Hillier first met Eric during his school days in Hyde and Eric guided him during John’s formative photographic years and subsequently recommended that he should also join the RPS, however the two lost touch when John moved away from Cheshire.

When John learned of Eric’s passing, he feared that the superlative photographic collection might have been lost.

However, he eventually discovered that the collection was safe and in the hands of Eric’s nephew, Sir John Oldham. The two made contact and both felt that the collection of photographs and paintings deserved a larger audience, and this book is the result.

Sir John Oldham has written the foreword to the book and has kindly offered to donate any surplus revenue from the sales of this book to railway heritage and charity.

The new book is out now and can be purchased with free UK delivery here.

By Alex Bestwick | November 21st, 2024

About the Author: Alex Bestwick

Alex Bestwick is a Digital Content Editor with a degree in Publishing and Creative Writing from York St John. When he’s not at work, he is usually reading, watching horror movies, or exploring the countryside.