Railway history through newly colourised material
Britain's Railway Empire in Colour marks two centuries of rail by following the development and international spread of British railway technology. Directed by Imogen Walford and produced by Woodcut Media, the two-part series combines expert contributions with newly colourised archive footage. The added colour is a modern treatment of historical material, rather than evidence that it was originally filmed that way.
Tracks of Empire considers how the growing network changed Britain and its inhabitants. Francis Bourgeois introduces railway photographer George Tod, connecting a contemporary enthusiasm for trains with nineteenth-century images. As the network spreads through the British Empire, the programme also addresses the costs accompanying the celebrated language of progress.
