JOHN SPENCER GILKS IN SOUTH WALES

MEETING REPORT

JOHN SPENCER GILKS IN SOUTH WALES

13 APRIL 2022

On April 13th Nigel Wassall presented “John Spencer Gilks (JSG) in Wales”, a selection of images from visits made by the distinguished and prolific photographer at various times in the 1960s. After talking about JSG’s life Nigel treated us to a grand tour, starting in the South Wales Valleys and ending in Amlwch, the furthest north it was ever possible to travel to by train in Wales. Using a mixture of original slides and copies, and a few images taken by JSG’s travelling companions at the time, we spent the first half travelling west across South Wales visiting what is now the Heart of Wales line and following the perambulations of the two farewell to steam specials west of Swansea in 1965. 

Part 2 started in the Brecon Beacons at Torpantau, where we heard a sound recording by JSG of the two trains that were setting off.  We then made our way to North West Wales via the Cambrian and GW lines in mid Wales, and then the North East corner. It quickly came apparent that JSG was keen to ensure that the trains he photographed were to be seen in the landscape; happily, Wales offers a rich variety of interesting and/or attractive backdrops. It was also good to see a number of unfamiliar locations including Bethesda, Buckley Junction and Pontyates. JSG also had an eye for showing more familiar locations from less familiar angles.  Mostly a steam presentation, but some diesel traction featured, notably a pair of Hymeks on a heavy freight at Fishguard and the original Derby lightweight DMUs in the north west. 

As we’ve come to expect from Nigel the presentation was enhanced by meticulous research beforehand, and we thank him for a fascinating evening.