AN exhibition of train-themed artwork has opened at Kidderminster Railway Museum.

Railart 2014, which has been organised by the Guild of Railway Artists, was launched on Saturday  by Dr Paul Atterbury, the author of several railway books and a regular expert on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow.

The display will include works in oils, acrylics and watercolours and visitors will be able to buy many of the pieces as well as vote for the annual picture of the year.

Frank Hodges, chief executive officer of the guild, said: “The evocative pictures displayed explore a variety of styles and themes including day-to-day life that will appeal to not only railway enthusiasts but the wider public.

“The Guild looks upon the museum as its home venue having exhibited some ten times since its first event there in 1994 and is a most appropriate facility for the display of such significant works of art.”

Kidderminster Railway Museum, a former warehouse built in 1878 that became disused and derelict in the 1980s, has been beautifully restored to house artefacts from the heyday of steam travel.

The building will host the free art exhibition, which is open daily from 10am to 5pm, until Sunday, October 5.

Formed in 1979, the Guild of Railways Artists was established to forge a link between artists whose interests include the depiction of the railway scene, both heritage and modern.

Members of the guild include full-time artists and those who undertake work in their leisure time.