Tracks of Life: Trains, People and Places at Clitheroe Castle

This special exhibition celebrates the life and work of Ken Roberts (1928–2024), a talented and dedicated local railway enthusiast and photographer.  Ken was a founding member of Ribble Valley Rail, established in 1986 to campaign for the reopening of the Blackburn to Clitheroe passenger line.  The line successfully reopened in 1994 and Ken is fondly remembered for his tireless and tenacious dedication to the cause alongside his fellow members.

The photographs on display reflect the breadth of Ken's interests and his lifelong passion for railways.  As early as 1953 Ken won the national prize in an Ian Allan magazine competition with an atmospheric shot of Hellifield loco shed.  His passion for railway photography continued throughout his life and his photographic talents were recognised nationwide.  Alongside Ken's striking images, the exhibition also features a selection of model trains, railway memorabilia, and cameras loaned by railway historians and fellow Ribble Valley Rail members, Brian Haworth and Peter Eastham.

Free entry to the Steward's Gallery at Clitheroe Castle Museum.  Please note this exhibit is available during regular museum opening hours which may change throughout the year.  Please visit the website before planning your trip.

To mark 200 years of the railway, this exhibition has been curated in partnership with Ribble Valley Rail, Clitheroe Castle Museum, and Community Rail Lancashire, with funding support from the Community Rail Network and the Department for Transport. For more information about Railway 200 and events and activities across the UK.

Clitheroe Castle Museum is managed by Lancashire County Council's Museum Service on behalf of Ribble Valley Borough Council.