Tile map of North Eastern Railway, Tynemouth Metro Station

Image: © Andrew Curtis Taken: 20 Nov 2015

North Eastern Railway tiled system map was at one time a common feature in the company’s principal stations. The polychrome tile map of the NER network dates from about 1903 when the company was at its peak. The map shows how, over much of its area, the NER was virtually a monopoly with competition from other companies confined to the periphery. It also includes show some lines that were planned but not built. The map was manufactured by Craven, Dunnill & Co – a firm of encaustic and decorative tile manufacturers founded nearly 130 years ago. The company still exists and trades from its original premises now called Jackfield Tile Museum in Ironbridge, Shropshire Image When they were originally made, the design for each tile was etched on to copper which was then used to print a transfer. This was then carefully placed on to the tile – a very skilful task. Where any correction or hand finishing was required, that was then done before the tiles were glazed - always by hand - and fired in a kiln. There were 23 NER Tile Maps in all, erected at the following stations: Hexham, Durham, Morpeth, South Shields, Tynemouth, Normanton, Leeds City South, Whitby, Scarborough Image, Beverley Image, Bridlington, Saltburn, Hull, Selby, York, Darlington, Middlesbrough. Goole, Newcastle Central, Alnmouth, West Hartlepool, London Kings Cross and Tyne Dock. Only a few have survived although replicas are now available. https://sites.google.com/site/northeasternrailwayassoc/research-information/ner-tile-maps

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