Carriage panels appeared to decorate the walls of carriages in the early days of railways and these were generally black and white and sepia images of places that the particular railway visited.

From there the railway companies realised the benefits of a captive audience and started to use informative system maps and adverts as well as photos.

These gradually developed into what we regard as modern carriage prints. The artwork was prepared by artists employed by the railways to capture a particular view and then prints were produced – often in considerable numbers - of the view and displayed in the carriages in frames with toughened safety glass.

The value of a print depends on aesthetic quality and scarcity.

The authority on the subject is Greg Norden who has written a wonderful book called "Landscapes Under the Luggage Rack" which is comprehensively illustrated and tells the complete story of these varied prints and is a must for anyone wanting to start a collection.

Unless you are buying a scarce print you are best advised to go for one in Mint condition.

If you would like more information we recommend you visit Greg Norden's website which includes details of a price and rarity guide for all colour carriage prints.