William Nash was a railwayman who photographed the British railway system between around 1922 and 1934. None of his images appeared in print before 2001. Thanks to his daughter, items from the collection can now be made available to interested publishers/institutions. She is Kate Robinson to whom enquiries about ordering and reproduction should be addressed. A catalogue created by Robert Forsythe is maintained. He is able to advise about the content of the items. Clicking on the link will enable you to download the Excel or .xls table containing this data.
The catalogue shows the geographical scope and details the engines photographed. A substantial number are in their pre-grouping liveries. Many railway companies are represented including Ashover, Furness, Great Western, Leek and Manifold, London North Western, North Eastern, and Southern. There is a significant Ravenglass and Eskdale and Lakeland steamship collection.
Copies are available to potential publishers and interested collectors. They do have to be priced to reflect the effort of production. All copyright is retained by Kate Robinson who personally undertakes the printing. No stocks are held, each order being printed from the original negatives which can vary in quality. Advice can be sought on negative quality before orders are finalised. Orders must be pre-paid by cheque. Each print is made by traditional darkroom practice and not produced commercially or electronically. Material has been used by Railway Bylines, Steam Railway, the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Magazine and the Oakwood Press.
An exhibition drawn from the Cumbrian content of this material was held at Penrith Museum between 5th October - 30th November 2002. Entitled Steam Upon Different Lines, it was curated by Robert Forsythe, further information from myself or Penrith Museum. Other venues included Forum 28 Art Centre, Barrow in Furness from 6th December 2002 to 30th January 2003, and an expanded version now entitled "Heavyweight" at the Brewery Art Centre, Kendal from 4th March to the 6th May 2003, Nenthead Mines 1st August to the 27th August and October 2003, Grimsby Library August 30th to September 30th 2003, and Winships Gallery, Ovington, Northumberland throughout February 2004, The Beacon at Whitehaven April 27th to June 22nd 2004, Derby Industrial Museum September 26th 2004 to New Year 2005, Lancaster Maritime Museum Sat 28th May - Sunday July 10th 2005, Kidderminster Railway Museum Sat 27th August to Sunday 2nd October 2005, Queen's Hall Arts Hexham Sat 11th Feb - Sat 18th March 2006.
Booking dates are managed by Kate Robinson but initial enquiries can be made through myself.
A 112 page book about the Cumbrian element of this collection called Cumbrian Railway Photographer by Kate Robinson and Robert Forsythe was published by the Oakwood Press in September 2002. A sequel volume was published 23rd. March 2004 called Taken by Trains: The Life and Photography of William Nash 1909-1952 covering material throughout the British Isles. One of Robert's presentations covers the Nash material.
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A sample image reproduced below shows the Lynton and Barnstaple Manning Wardle engine Exe.
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