- New Intercity Express Train dedicated to Sir Joshua Reynolds PRA
Celebrating 250 years of the Royal Academy of Arts, Great Western Railway (GWR) will pay tribute to one of its founders and first president, Sir Joshua Reynolds PRA, by naming one of its new trains after him.
Recognising Sir Joshua’s Plymouth roots, GWR will name the first of its new Devon and Cornwall specific fleet, the Class 802 Intercity Express Train, after the artist.
Sir Joshua was voted by the public as one of Great Western Railway’s 100 Great Westerners.
President of the Royal Academy of Arts, Christopher Le Brun, will officially unveil Sir Joshua’s name at a ceremony at London Paddington on Platform 8.
He is expected to say: “Sir Joshua Reynolds PRA was considered the leading portrait painter of his day. I am delighted and proud that this key figure in not only the Royal Academy’s history, but the history of British art, is being recognised by a dedicated Great Western Railway train.
“The train underlines the cultural link between London and the South West, and I hope will inspire the public to find out more about the artist and engage with the Royal Academy.
“What a timely way to celebrate Sir Joshua’s legacy and our 250th anniversary, just five days before the Royal Academy’s official birthday on 10th December.”
The new train will also carry images of a specially minted coin inspired by the artist, and a design of the Royal Academy’s iconic facade; making the train individual from the rest of the fleet.
GWR Managing Director Mark Hopwood said: “This train forms part of a fleet which will significantly improve links to and from the South West, and we are delighted to name our first one after Sir Joshua Reynolds as the academy that he founded celebrates its 250th anniversary.”
“Having been born in Plymouth and establishing the Royal Academy in London; this train will celebrate his legacy every day in service as it makes the 214-mile journey between the two cities.”
GWR’s new IETs specifically designed for Devon and Cornwall first entered service on 20 August 2018 and are being named after individuals and organisations that have inspired the regions that they will serve.