The First Train (1879)

The First Train Stevengraph

Year: 1879

First Train in The World. The interesting and decorative silk- work pictures know as Stevengraphs were first introduced to the public as a gimmick at the York Exhibition which was opened on 7 May 1879 and continued until 31 October. Over the next three decades, Stevengraphs depicting 188 different themes were produced. Around World War I, silk pictures went out of style, but the works in Coventry continued producing a few Stevengraphs until the time of World War II. The range of Steven's subjects was broad. Portraits of English and German royalty were made along with depictions of politicians, boxers and jockeys. Historical subjects, coaches, trains and battleships were favorites, as were hunting, tennis and cricket scenes. The rarity and condition of a Stevengraph determine its value - and the cardboard mount is important. Information on the back of the mount can help the collector determine the date of a Stevengraph. On labels affixed to the backs, Stevens placed the titles of other Stevengraphs that were available.

"The First Train" - this depicts Georges Stephenson's locomotion No 1 with coal- tender drawing open wagons, two and a half of which are shown. The title was first listed about 1880, and is mounted an type B card. This is a rare early version of the card- mount because has the words "Built by George Stephenson in 1825" under the main title. This version is illustrated as figure 29 in the book "Silk Pictures of Thomas Stevens" by LeVan Baker,1957.

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