As we mentioned in the Greatest Gathering feature on the festival that looks like the most exciting event of this Summer however good the ArcTangent line up might be looking – Different things? The Greatest Gathering thing? The Proms as an alternative thing? Looking for things? Trains? Experimental classical  music? – As we mentioned in the feature, as part of the celebrations of 200 years of trains, Railway 200, there’s a travelling exhibition heading up and down the country’s rail system right now. We caught up with Inspiration a couple of days ago on one of the more mysterious outer platforms of Euston Station here in London a couple of days ago. The art is mostly on the outside of the carriages of Inspiration, Inspiration being the name of the travelling five carriage exhibition that’s bookended by two freshly painted rather red Class 66 locomotives….

Hey, evidence of the first known wearing of hi-vis in this country (in Glasgow in 1964 so it seems). The carriages look exciting, the inside is more of an interactive thing that an exhibition really, kind of feels like it is geared up for schools kids and educational school trips more than anything, the inside is fun, if you’re wanting an in-depth exhibition then maybe not, but it is fun and hey, the school kids were having a great time. The outside of the train and the full car throw ups look good, we’re not quite talking Duster/Lizzie up on that curve on the New York subway, those carriages do look impressive though. Those carriages look inviting, engaging, art on the rails. The train is touring the country…

“Inspiration is a unique exhibition train, part of a national celebration of the 200th anniversary of the modern railway called Railway 200. The touring train will send visitors young and old on a journey of discovery exploring the railway’s 200-year story of innovation, brought to life by interactive exhibitions and hands-on activities.

The train is expected to visit 60 locations across Britain over 12 months up to summer 2026, creating a buzz of interest and excitement at mainline stations, heritage railways and rail freight sites. Curated in partnership with the National Railway Museum, it will be the only exhibition train on the rail network and will promote the past, present and future of the railway, helping to attract the next generation of pioneering talent”.

Bookings (the exhibition is free, you do need to book though)

As always do click on an image to see the whole thing or to run the slide show.