Geoffrey Wheeler (b.1929, d.1985) set standards that have yet to be exceeded, with his magnificent range of coloured steam locomotive and traction engine portraits. Based on research using official works drawings and photographs, each subject is “…detailed down to the last rivet”. Following service in the GWR drawing office at Paddington and subsequent training as a wireless engineer in the Royal Navy, he went on to develop a career as a Technical Illustrator. In the 1960’s he produced the intricate cut-away drawings in the much lamented boys paper EAGLE. Working in a small studio in his back garden, Geoffrey pioneered techniques with an airbrush, and as a result he produced a magnificent range of steam locomotive and traction engine portraits. Prints taken from these were marketed world wide by Geoffrey during the 1970’s and 80’s. Geoff became a Member of the Guild of Railway Artists, when he was pleased to be referred to as a “Master of Locomotive Art”.

Following their retirement Geoffrey and his wife Enid moved to a working windmill in rural Suffolk, where they were devastated by the destruction of the mills sails during the Great Storm of October 1987. Geoffrey died after a short illness on 15th October 1995, coincidentally the anniversary of the Great Storm. The Wheeler family is proud to re-launch Geoff’s prints once again, with a new web site www.wheeler-prints.co.uk

Prints will also be available by mail order with a full list and brochure obtainable by telephoning 01379 687780 (24 hour answer service). It is hope to extend the range of prints further during with locomotive subjects such as Flying Scotsman, Duchess of Sutherland and GWR 4-6-0 County of Middlesex and Availing and Porter steam tractor among others.

The Wheeler family is proud to own most of Geoff’s original artwork, and the collection is available for exhibition and display in museums and galleries.