Matthew Cousins

Born in Hitchen, within sight and sound of the East Coast mainline, Matthew has had an almost life-long interest in railways. He was inspired by the artworks in the many railway books available in the 1950's including Ian Allan's use of Vic welch paintings and later works by George Heiron. He has developed a particular liking for poster art, and especially admires Cuneo's masterful paintings for British Railways.
Taking the lead from poster artwork in the 1930's and 1950's, Matthew has produced poster art for the Bluebell Railway for the last seven years. A period of ten years on the footplate at the Bluebell gave him a real insight into the working of railways in the age of steam. Having now semi-retired he has more time for painting and has also turned his hand to railway restoration with the rebuilding of a Southern Railway luggage van in which he holds painting exhibitions at the Bluebell railway.