A Display of Images of Original Totems used on the Shakespeare Line

During the 1950s and 1960s, British Railways equipped many of its stations with signs adopting the new corporate image. These were referred to as totems. The stations on the Shakespeare Line were fitted with chocolate and cream totems as they were part of the British Railways Western Region.

Birmingham Snow Hill had special platform signs called 'roundels' fixed to the walls on the main platform buildings. Conventional totem signs were also used at the ends of platforms (an image is additionally shown at the foot of the display). It was regarded by the British Railways Western Region as being at an important location. (The only other station so treated on the whole network was Bristol Temple Meads).

This themed display of images of the original totems used on the Shakespeare Line is presented by The Totem Experience (part of a railwayana service for those with an interest in railway antiques and collectibles). The Totem Experience can organise displays of totems at events. One such display was at the official launch of the Stratford Railway Tourist Centre Project. See "Totem Experience" Shakespeare Line totem display at official launch of Stratford Railway Tourist Centre project.