Hidden Railway Histories Brought to Life in New Exhibition

A new exhibition launched in April is turning heads, raising awareness and shifting perspectives on Gloucester’s railway history.

‘Beyond the Platform’, unveiled at Gloucester Train Station, marks 200 years of the UK’s railway story by spotlighting the untold local histories that have shaped it - particularly from South Asian and Caribbean communities whose contributions have long been underrepresented in archival history.

The project, led by Gloucestershire Community Rail Partnership (GCRP) as part of the national Railway 200 anniversary, goes beyond train timetables and travel routes. It invites visitors to see the railway as a place of belonging, change, and opportunity.

Through a compelling mix of archive photography, community storytelling, and creative artworks, the exhibition paints a fuller picture of Gloucester’s railway legacy. For many visitors, the experience has been eye-opening.

“I walk past this church every day and had no idea there was once a station here - it’s incredible to think how different things used to be,” shared one local student at the launch event on Monday 14 April.

Reconnecting Communities with Forgotten Stories

The exhibition is the result of months of community workshops and pop-up events in a culmination of effort showcasing the incredible rail history. Working alongside a local artist, participants of all ages came together to explore the social and cultural impact of the railways in Gloucestershire on family life, career paths, and the physical shape of the city.

A young artist mentee, and a university of Gloucestershire student, both also took part in the project, learning valuable skills in storytelling, historical research, and community collaboration.

Hannah McDonnell, Executive Director of GCRP, described the exhibition as more than just a retrospective:

“Beyond the Platform has been about more than looking back - it’s about reconnecting communities with their history and inspiring new generations to see the railway as a place of belonging, opportunity, and change. We’re proud to work with partners who share our commitment to making railway heritage accessible and inclusive for everyone.”

Where to See the Exhibition

The exhibition includes a striking series of photographs of familiar locations today as they were in days gone by with long-forgotten rail sites, alongside video reels and personal reflections gathered during the six-month project that will be shared on social media.

It’s now open to the public at:

• Gloucester, Stonehouse, Stroud, and Cam & Dursley Train Stations

It will remain on display for the next three months, with short reels being shared across social media to give more information and understanding about the project over the coming weeks.

The initiative is part of the Railway 200 celebration, supported by Together Gloucester and Great Western Railway (GWR), with contributions from All Nations, Gloucestershire Archives and other partners across the region.

Looking ahead, GCRP plans to continue using rail heritage as a powerful tool to engage young people and underrepresented groups, building connections around travel, education, access to nature, and employment.

Because the railway isn’t just about where we go. It’s about where we’ve come from - and the communities that helped us get there.