By Night Train To Scotland poster – Vintage LMS LNER Railway poster – Phillip Zec 1932
This stunning By Night Train To Scotland poster was created by the British illustrator and political cartoonist Phillip Zec. The London-born artist is probably best-known for his powerful and thought-provoking cartoons for the Daily Mirror that addressed various aspects of the war and its impact on society.
In addition to his contributions to the British newspaper, Zec created a series of propaganda cartoons during World War II. These cartoons, in stark contrast to his contemporaries that lampooned the German armies as foolish buffoons, Zec adopted a venomous tone and chose to portray the Nazis, Adolf Hitler, and his allies as serpents and vultures, accentuating the sinister and malevolent aspects of their regime. His work so angered Hitler that Zec was included Zec added to his “black list” of individuals to be arrested in the event of a British invasion.
Prior to his career as a cartoonist, Zec had already made a name for himself as a commercial artist within the advertising sector. By the age of 19, Zec had set up his own commercial art studio. One of his early commissions was the renowned design for the overnight train to Scotland in 1932. The vintage railway poster is a far cry from the political cartoons he later became known for.
Zec’s By Night Train To Scotland poster captures the romance of taking a sleeper train to Scotland in the early 1930s. We are transported to a bygone era, the golden era of British railways. A time when railway journeys were a glamorous and adventurous mode of travel. The poster created jointly for the London, Midland & Scottish Railway and the London and Northern Eastern Railway (LNER) truly captures the essence of a journey from London to Scotland under the cover of darkness.
At the center of the scene is a brand-new Class A4 locomotive, a symbol of power and reliability. The sleek night train speeds its way through the quiet, moonlit countryside emphasising the speed and efficiency of the service. The carriages sway gently as the locomotive steadily hauls a line of carriages along the rail tracks. The locomotive’s presence is formidable but reassuring, promising safe passage through the night.
The windows of the carriages emit a soft, inviting yellow glow, hinting at the warmth and camaraderie inside. The locomotive’s furnace burns brightly, casting a warm light on the plumes of smoke that rise from the engine’s chimney and up high into the dark blue night sky. This juxtaposition of light and shadow creates a striking visual.
Up above, the sky comes alive with a constellation of stars, each one a tiny beacon in the vast night sky. A brilliant full moon takes center stage, casting a silvery sheen over the entire scene, adding to the enchantment of the journey.
The vintage railway poster was used to promote the night train railway passenger service between London and Scotland. Trains like the Night Scotsman and the Night Scot, which offered sleeper services, were marketed as a way to maximise travel time. Passengers could go to sleep in one city and wake up in another, making the most of their journey.
The Journey By Night Train To Scotland
The first sleeper train in Britain began operation on July 10, 1873. It was introduced by the North British Railway and operated on the Anglo-Scottish route between Glasgow and London Kings Cross via the East Coast Main Line. This pioneering service allowed passengers to have comfortable overnight accommodations on their journeys, setting the stage for the development of sleeper trains in the United Kingdom.
These sleeper trains have been an integral part of British rail travel since the Victorian era, offering passengers a comfortable and unique overnight experience for long and medium-distance journeys. This arrangement allowed travelers to commence their journeys in the early evening from their local stations and arrive at their destination refreshed the following morning. Many of these trains even featured dining cars, providing passengers the opportunity to enjoy dinner before retiring and have breakfast on longer journeys.
The concept of sleeper carriages was introduced to the United Kingdom in 1873 by the North British Railway, specifically on the Anglo-Scottish route connecting Glasgow and London Kings Cross. On April 2nd, 1873, the North British Railway launched the first regular sleeper service on the Glasgow-Edinburgh-Kings Cross route via the East Coast Mainline. For a supplemental fee of 10 shillings, passengers could convert their seats into comfortable beds, complete with blankets and pillows.
The design of sleeping cars evolved rapidly over the years, and by the 1920s, night trains had transformed into a fashionable and sophisticated mode of travel between Scotland and England. The Night Scotsman, the Royal Highlander, and the Aberdonian were among the iconic trains that facilitated this connection. These trains featured teak-lined cabins, carpeted corridors, crisp bed linens, and attentive stewards, creating an ambiance of opulence and allure.
In just six months, Caledonian Railways introduced London and North Western Railway sleeping cars, which operated on mail trains three days a week between Glasgow Buchanan Street and London Euston via the West Coast Main Line. Other railway companies swiftly followed suit.
It was the normal passenger services on trains such as the Flying Scotsman, the Golden Arrow, The Coronation, the Queen of Scots, the Cornish Riviera and the Brighton Belle that became household names. However, through the marketing of the railway companies, the night trains also became well-known.
In the 1930s, sleeper trains in the United Kingdom represented the epitome of luxury and sophistication in rail travel. These trains allowed passengers to traverse long distances overnight, arriving at their destinations refreshed and ready to go. The four services to Scotland at that time were The Night Scotsman, The Night Scot, The Royal Highlander, and The Aberdonian.
The Night Scotsman was a jewel in the crown of the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER). It whisked passengers away on an overnight adventure from London Euston to Glasgow Central. Boarding in the evening, passengers could settle into well-appointed sleeping compartments, where plush upholstery and mahogany woodwork created an atmosphere of timeless sophistication. The rhythmic clatter of wheels on tracks lulled them into a peaceful slumber. But it was the dining experience that truly set The Night Scotsman apart. Multi-course meals, served in the dining car, were paired with fine wines and spirits. It was a journey of culinary delight and indulgence.
As if in symphony, the Night Scot offered a harmonious sister experience. Operated by the London Midland and Scottish Railway (LMSR), it carried passengers along the same London to Glasgow route, providing luxurious accommodations and gourmet dining. The Night Scot was a testament to the commitment of the LMSR to deliver an exceptional journey.
For those with a taste for adventure, The Royal Highlander was the train to choose. Operated by the LNER, it embarked on a journey from London to Inverness, deep into the heart of the Scottish Highlands. The name “Royal Highlander” underscored the regal nature of the experience. Passengers reveled in the impeccable service and the rugged beauty of Scotland’s scenic vistas. Comfortable berths offered a front-row seat to the natural wonders passing by.
If coastal and countryside views were more to your liking, The Aberdonian offered a distinctive journey. Also run by the LNER, it linked London with Aberdeen, a bustling port city in the northeast of Scotland. As passengers traveled through the eastern part of the country, the dining car served up freshly caught seafood, adding a unique culinary twist to the voyage.
These sleeper trains weren’t just modes of transportation; they were experiences in themselves. Travelers didn’t merely reach their destinations; they arrived refreshed and ready to explore. The allure of these trains was not just in their luxurious accommodations but in the stories shared, laughter echoing in the dining cars, and the ever-changing landscapes outside the window.
How much is an original 1932 Phillip Zec By Night Train To Scotland poster worth?
The value of an original 1932 Phillip Zec “By Night Train To Scotland” poster can vary significantly depending on its condition, rarity, and historical significance. In general, such posters from the 1930s can be quite valuable to collectors, especially if they are in excellent condition and are associated with iconic trains or travel destinations.
Ultimately, people buy vintage posters like “By Night Train To Scotland” for a combination of historical, artistic, and personal reasons. They may appreciate the artwork, have a connection to the depicted destination, or simply enjoy collecting pieces of history that capture the spirit of a particular era. The value of the poster seems to have peaked around 2014 when one original copy, valued at between $8,000 and $12,000 sold for $20,000. Four years later a copy came up for sale in 2018 selling for $17,500.
That’s a lot of rail trips between London and Scotland! Of course, there’s no argument from us, if you can find an original copy and can afford to buy it, you’re on to a winner. There’s nothing like owning an original vintage poster and they often make a great investment. Chances are in just a few years you’ll be able to sell it for more than you paid for it. Although, as the Nght train to Scotland poster shows, the value of vintage posters can depreciate as well as rise.
Unfortunately, for most of us, an investment, even at the entry-level prices of the collectible poster isn’t even close to being a possibility. This is where our stunning high-quality reproductions come into their own. They cost a fraction of an original and look absolutely fantastic when they’re framed and hung on your living room wall.
