A powerful new exhibition celebrating 200 years of railway history through untold local stories has launched at Gloucestershire Archives and Gloucester station.
Marking the national Railway 200 anniversary, Beyond the Platform is a community-led project from Gloucestershire Community Rail Partnership (GCRP) that shines a light on the underrepresented voices that helped shape the UK’s rail industry – particularly from South Asian and Caribbean communities.
Launched on Monday 14 April, the exhibition brings together archive photography, community storytelling, and creative artwork, exploring how railways have not only connected places – but shaped lives, careers, and neighbourhoods across generations.
Visitors were especially struck by the way Gloucester’s rail history had been “hidden in plain sight,” with many young attendees surprised to learn of long-lost stations and track lines beneath familiar streets.
“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,” said one local student during the event.
Through a series of community workshops and pop-up events, GCRP worked alongside a local artist, Gloucestershire Archives, University of Gloucestershire, and organisations such as All Nations, to collect personal stories and spark intergenerational conversations. A young mentee from the local community also helped, gaining skills in storytelling, accessing archival material and working in collaboration with other organisations.
Hannah McDonnell, Executive Director of GCRP, said: “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.”
The exhibition features striking then-and-now photography, comparing Gloucester’s railways past and present, alongside personal reflections and video reels captured during the six-month project.
“The railway has long been shaped by the contributions of people from many communities, including those historically underrepresented in official histories. It’s important we make space for these voices, and we’re proud to celebrate Railway 200 by supporting GCRP in doing just that,” said Emma Morris, Senior Community Impact Manager for Great Western Railway (GWR)
The exhibition is open to the public at Gloucestershire Archives (GL1 3DW), as well as Gloucester, Stonehouse, Stroud and Cam & Dursley stations where it will remain on display for the next three months. Four accompanying short films and audio stories are available to view online over the coming weeks and will be shared across social media to ensure wide accessibility.
This initiative is part of the wider Railway 200 programme, supported by Together Gloucester and GWR, with contributions from All Nations, Gloucestershire Archives and other local partners.
GCRP now plans to continue its work with young people and underrepresented groups, using rail heritage as a tool for inspiration, opportunity, and connection – particularly around access to education, nature, and employment.
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