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October 15, 2021updated Oct 18, 2021

Hop on Board: Wes Anderson’s Reimagined Train Carriage

Travel to a bygone era aboard the American Filmmaker’s British Pullman train carriage.

By Emma Al-Mousawi

There is something irresistibly perfect about Belmond’s new cinematic design partnership with filmmaker Wes Anderson for British Pullman, A Belmond Train. Known for his whimsical big-screen depictions of vintage locomotive travel, the Oscar-nominated director has turned art into reality with the unveiling of his reimagined carriage aboard the legendary train.

Credited with having one of the most visually distinctive styles in film today, the The-Grand-Budapest-Hotel-filmmaker has managed to translate his on-screen world into an immersive reality. Unmistakably Anderson, the carriage perfectly balances the historical preservation of the train’s Art Deco-inspired interior with contemporary design. Signature symmetrical lines, unique color pallets, and deco style come together to create a travel experience usually only reserved for the silver screen.

[See also: Meet the G Train: The World’s First Private Luxury Train]

Wes Anderson Train

Signature symmetrical lines, unique color pallets, and deco style come together to create a travel experience usually only reserved for the silver screen / ©Belmond

Belmond Train

The bespoke design also introduces two new elaborate private coupés within train carriage / ©Belmond

Discussing the design collaboration, Anderson said: “I love trains! I have often had the chance to invent train compartments and carriages in my movies — so I was immediately pleased to say ‘yes’ to this real-life opportunity, and very eager to make something new while also participating in the process of preservation which accompanies all the classic Belmond train projects. They are keeping something special alive; igniting this endangered species of travel into a new golden era.”

Named after the Greek God of Balance, Cygnus, the 70-year-old carriage features detailed references to the mythical legend. Often personified as a swan, aquatic nods can be seen throughout such as intricate wave and cygnet detailing weaved into the marquetry, as well as silver leaf on the ceilings to mimic the reflection of water. 

The bespoke design also introduces two new elaborate private coupés within the train carriage. The private spaces can be booked for up to four guests with free-flowing champagne throughout the journey as well as cocktails and a contemporary British menu served on special crockery, with additional flourishes from British Pullman’s Head Chef.

Belmond Train in countryside

The train departs from London Victoria station / ©Belmond

British Pullman, A Luxury Train, England, offers a variety of day journeys throughout the year from London Victoria Station with ‘Pullman Dining by Wes Anderson’ starting from $545 per person. The ‘Pullman coupé by Wes Anderson’ starts from $2,455 per coupé, belmond.com

[See also: Belmond Commits to Sustainable Future with EarthCheck]

 

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