Forgotten railway painting put back on display

The painting has spent decades in storage at Litchurch Lane

A forgotten painting by a renowned railway artist has gone on display at a museum in Derby.

The piece by Terence Cuneo, the official artist for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, depicts train maker Alstom's Litchurch Lane factory in Derby as it looked in 1959.

It was put into storage ahead of refurbishment work at the site "several decades ago" and never went back on display.

It resurfaced during preparations for the recent Greatest Gathering rail event, prompting organisers to loan the artwork to the Derby's Museum of Making to highlight its historical value.

The painting of Alstom's Litchurch Lane facility is now on display at Derby's Musuem of Making

Andy Butters, managing director of Alstom's Litchurch Lane Works, said the painting was a "powerful reminder" of Derby's railway heritage and the "enduring legacy" of British engineering.

"We're delighted to see it on public display, especially following The Greatest Gathering, which brought together generations of railfans to celebrate our factory's historic and ongoing contribution to train-making,"he said.

Derby Museums' head of curatiom, Laura Phillips, said: "Derby Museums is very excited to display this wonderful painting by renowned railway artist Terence Cuneo.

"The painting beautifully illustrates Derby's railway heritage, linking the historic Alstom site with the collections at the Museum of Making."