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Premium Framed Print : GWR station staff member in a gas mask, c. 1939
Framed Photos from STEAM Museum
GWR station staff member in a gas mask, c. 1939
During an air raid the threat of poison gas bombs being dropped by the German Luftwaffe was extremely high. Mustard gas was the most deadly gas available and could take up to 12 hours to take effect. 38 million gas masks were distributed in Britain to protect against any ill effects should gas bombs be dropped. After an air raid GWR staff would continue their normal duties, but in some instances would continue to wear their gas masks. This image shows a porter at Paddington Station wearing his mask. It must have been difficult to carry out normal tasks with limited visibility and restricted movement
STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway
Media ID 19938943
Air Raid Staff Station World War 2 Gas Mask
31"x27" (79x69cm) Premium Frame
FSC real wood frame with double mounted 24x20 print. Double mounted with white conservation mountboard. Frame moulding comprises stained composite natural wood veneers (Finger Jointed Pine) 39mm wide by 21mm thick. Archival quality Fujifilm CA photo paper mounted onto 1mm card. Overall outside dimensions are 31x27 inches (787x685mm). Rear features Framing tape to cover staples, 50mm Hanger plate, cork bumpers. Glazed with durable thick 2mm Acrylic to provide a virtually unbreakable glass-like finish. Acrylic Glass is far safer, more flexible and much lighter than typical mineral glass. Moreover, its higher translucency makes it a perfect carrier for photo prints. Acrylic allows a little more light to penetrate the surface than conventional glass and absorbs UV rays so that the image and the picture quality doesn't suffer under direct sunlight even after many years. Easily cleaned with a damp cloth. Please note that, to prevent the paper falling through the mount window and to prevent cropping of the original artwork, the visible print may be slightly smaller to allow the paper to be securely attached to the mount without any white edging showing and to match the aspect ratio of the original artwork.
FSC Real Wood Frame and Double Mounted with White Conservation Mountboard - Professionally Made and Ready to Hang
Estimated Image Size (if not cropped) is 59.9cm x 58.4cm (23.6" x 23")
Estimated Product Size is 78.7cm x 68.5cm (31" x 27")
These are individually made so all sizes are approximate
Artwork printed orientated as per the preview above, with landscape (horizontal) orientation to match the source image.
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print from the STEAM Museum of the GWR transports us back to a time of great uncertainty and fear - the height of World War II. The image depicts a dedicated Great Western Railway (GWR) station staff member, donned in a gas mask, standing stoically at Paddington Station during an air raid. In those tumultuous times, the looming threat of poison gas bombs dropped by the German Luftwaffe was ever-present. To protect against this deadly menace, 38 million gas masks were distributed throughout Britain. This particular porter at Paddington Station exemplifies their unwavering commitment to duty even amidst such perilous circumstances. The photograph offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by these brave individuals as they carried out their everyday tasks while wearing cumbersome gas masks. With limited visibility and restricted movement, one can only imagine how difficult it must have been for them to navigate through bustling crowds and ensure smooth operations at the station. This poignant image serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination exhibited by GWR staff during wartime. Their unwavering dedication to serving their community in spite of grave dangers is truly commendable. It stands as a testament to their courage in defending against potential gas attacks on British soil – an indelible mark left by those who selflessly protected our nation's railways during this dark chapter in history.
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