THE WORLD’S first railway tavern has unveiled a new sign celebrating its heritage.
The Railway Tavern, in Darlington, commissioned renowned local artist Ted Parker to create the sign, which now takes pride of place outside the pub.
It features a vintage-look painting of the 1938 record setting 126mph steam locomotive Mallard on one side and an image of the Tornado, the last steam engine to be built in Darlington, on the other.
Landlord of the pub, Steven Findlater, said it had been important to mark the town’s railway heritage.
He said: “We approached Ted Parker especially because we knew he was a great train artist and the sign is absolutely brilliant. The trains almost look real.
"It’s important to celebrate the town’s heritage and this pub is named as the first railway tavern to have been built in the world and it is the only one never to have closed.
“The sign has only been in place for hours and we have already had people from the Head of Steam museum, a steam train magazine and from Shildon’s railway museum here to look at it. The team who built the Tornado also came for a look. Everyone likes it.”
The 4ft sign was put on an easel to allow visitors to see it up close before it was hung outside the pub.
More Transport News
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel