Royal Deeside

Artist Kenneth Steel (Sheffield, England, 1906 - 1970)

AssociatedAssociated with British Rail

AssociatedAssociated with Balmoral Castle (Ballater, Scotland, founded 1856)

Datec. 1951

Object NamePainting

Mediumoil on board

ClassificationsTransport

Dimensions78.7 x 58.4cm
Frame Size: 84.3 x 64 x 2.5cm

AcquisitionPresented in 2011 by the Railway Heritage Committee, BRB (Residuary) Ltd.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDMS087854

Keywords

About MeThe Royal Deeside line was built from Aberdeen to Ballater between 1853 and 1856 and operated until the 1960s. This artwork was used as the image for promotional posters for the line encouraging tourists to Aberdeen and onwards into Deeside, inspired by public interest in Queen Victoria, Balmoral and the Royal family.

The work is oil on board, with a heavy use of paint giving a very textured image. Balmoral Castle is in the centre, with pine trees in the foreground on left and right and the river in the midground. Hills and mountains rise in the background. The work is signed "Kenneth Steel" at the bottom, centre right.

The frame is wood with a textured coating and coloured light brown. A small plastic plate at the centre of frame gives the title "ROYAL DEESIDE".
More About Me

Collections Wall

This picture, showing Balmoral Castle, was used on promotional posters for the Deeside Railway which ran between Aberdeen and Ballater until the 1960s. Now you can walk or cycle along it!