Museum of Science and Industry

An exclusive series of limited edition prints by Manchester's most famous locomotive designer are amongst the first items to go on sale in the new online shop at MOSI.

The oil paintings of Herbert William Garratt are a fascinating glimpse into the romantic era of early twentieth century steam locomotives, with which his name became synonymous. In 1909 Garratt designed the Beyer-Garratt steam locomotive, which was built at the Beyer, Peacock factory in Gorton and was subsequently exported all over the world.

The series of five limited edition prints are of oil paintings which would have been created by Garratt to promote and publicise the innovative new locomotive design.

The prints are available to view online at www.mosishop.org.uk

The online store also features popular products from MOSI's gift shop, including 'Extreme Fliers' toys, developed by Manchester Business School student Vernon Kerswell, as well as chemistry sets, brain-busting puzzles and clocks made from recycled circuit boards.

MOSI director Tony Hill said: "I'm delighted to launch our new online shop. Unique items such as these beautiful prints as well as lots of fun science and history-related items are now easily available to anyone who wants an unusual gift, but can't get to our shop in the Museum.

"Herbert William Garratt was famous for his articulated locomotive design, but few people realise he was also a talented painter too. Please do take this chance to see his paintings online and buy a limited edition print of his most celebrated design - the Beyer-Garratt locomotive."

The Beyer-Garratt was an articulated locomotive which was built to help trains cope with sharp bends and steep gradients. The design became so successful that a total 1636 Garratts were produced by various companies, which ran on 86 railways in 48 countries.

There are 200 limited edition prints available of five oil paintings of Beyer-Garratt locomotives, by H.W. Garratt. They include:

• K1 - the first Beyer-Garratt locomotive in the world
• View from the driver's cab
• Great Eastern Number 603
• Garratt locomotives - fit for all terrains (picture included above)
• The Garratt locomotive - a revolutionary design

For media enquiries including images please contact: Sarah Roe, MOSI press and publicity officer on Tel: 0161 606 0176, m: 07847 372647

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