To mark 200 years since the beginning of modern rail travel, St Ives BID has launched a special heritage project in partnership with Great Western Railway (GWR) and supported by the GWR Customer and Community Improvement Fund.
As part of this exciting initiative, a series of heritage-style banners have been designed and installed throughout St Ives town centre, celebrating our unique railway history and the enduring connection between the town and the Great Western Railway.
The banners, designed by Meor Design, feature a vibrant, vintage-inspired design, echoing the classic style of traditional GWR travel posters that once enticed holidaymakers to visit the Cornish coast.
Installed on lampposts and prominent locations across the town, the banners add colour, charm, and a sense of local pride to our streets, while serving as a visual reminder of the important role the railway has played — and continues to play — in the life of St Ives.
St Ives has a long and cherished history with the railway. From bringing early artists and visitors to the town, to supporting local businesses and tourism today, the railway remains a vital link for our community.
The GWR banners project is not just about celebration — it’s about recognising the heritage, identity, and continued relevance of sustainable rail travel in our modern lives.
This project is part of BID’s wider commitment to enhancing the town’s appearance, promoting our heritage, and creating a welcoming, well-loved town centre for both residents and visitors. We’re proud to have worked closely with GWR to deliver a project that’s creative, community-focused, and celebratory.
