The picture posted the other day came from this short film taken in Victoria Station sometime during the 1930s. They say it is Victoria Station however I am convinced this is Waterloo Station at the time. I could be wrong, this has been known before...
The historical aspect is interesting, the outfits, the uniforms, the sailors piling of the train obviously from Portsmouth (I say), and the porters rushing to, I assume, the 1st class coaches for the tips on offer.
Otherwise has there been much change?
Obviously electric trains abound today, only one is noted on this film, the platform area has been renovated, signalling and information boards modernised, but overall the people, the attitudes, the waiting to go or for someone to arrive remains the same. Few men are without hats, most have waistcoats, jackets and ties, more ladies have chosen not to wear hats than the men. Do most appear middle class? Many rush to the 'Third Class coach,' It is remarkable that so few are seen smoking, few are eating anything, is this because only seated cafes were available then? It certainly appears to be holiday season, and if going on holiday the sun ought to be shining, and so it is!
Lovely to see the engines that arrive, they are used to push the outgoing service on its way. I was not aware of any steep gradient on those lines, but I suppose we wouldn't notice with the trains today.
The impression is not of a dirty, grime covered station of our memories however. Liverpool Street always looked as if it was recently covered in grime, now much improved, Victoria I only saw when renovated, as with Waterloo. Others may have differing memories.
The film has been 'colourised' by 'Upscaled History,' which boasts a number of ages films they have treated. Well worth a look.
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