No era epitomises style and elegance more perfectly than the Pullman days. That period of the end of the nineteenth century and beginning of the twentieth, when comfort and contentment seemed everyone's prime concern.

It was the Golden Age of Railways and Pullman was the perfect way to travel. As much as 60 feet long and weighing almost 25 tons apiece, the Pullman cars were described as 'mansions on rails.' They were furnished as lavishly as the finest Victorian homes, with bevelled gloss, inlaid wood, curtains, carpets and huge pivoted armchairs in red or maroon plush.

Lavatory basins were served by brass force pumps and kerosene lamps with Argand burners gave the best light in any British train. Later these inevitably gave way to more modern developments and electric lights were introduced.

But some things never changed and the comfort of the Pullman coach remained legendary It ran more smoothly than any other vehicle of its time. As one journalist said after experiencing the Pullman's magic for the first time, there was 'nothing left to desire.'

The noted illustrator Christopher Howell-Jones (commissioned by Viyella House) captured the beauty and elegance of the Pullman days in this series of full-colour prints, each one recalling the splendour of those famous Pullman coaches that brought a glorious new meaning to the words 'travelling in style.'

The text on the print reads:- "In her original form 'Beatrice' was the first electrically-lighted carriage in the world. In 1881, however, she was remodelled at Derby and designated a 'parlor car'. Purely for day travel, her massive plush armchairs brought a look of luxury to the Brighton line. She was finally withdrawn from service in 1918."

Super print in an A4 (30 x 21 cm. or 11.7 x 8.3 inch) size frame.

The picture offered does NOT have the "SAMPLE" watermark!!