The books of Philip D Hawkins featuring steam trains, diesel trains ( modern traction ) and railway stations and buildings.

The books of

Philip D. Hawkins FGRA.

'Tracks on Canvas'

Published to critical and commercial acclaim in 1998 this was the first book to be devoted entirely to the work of Philip D. Hawkins. A sumptuous hardback volume it not only featured 58 full colour reproductions of paintings, several accompanied by preliminary drawings and notes, but also a highly entertaining and humorous autobiography recounting the young Hawkins' formative years growing up in Birmingham surrounded by the sight and sounds of the railway.

Glowing reviews followed the launch of the book and sales were such that a reprint was ordered in 2001. Foreword by Nigel Harris.

ISBN No. 0860935388
Published by OPC, website here www.ianallanpublishing.com

Snippets of a few reviews.

"This is a book which well justifies the price and easily transcends the boundaries of railway enthusiasts to reach a far wider audience with its many stunningly evocative images"

'Heritage Railway' magazine.

"Those who admire the art of Philip Hawkins but are not fortunate or wealthy enough to own an original painting will find it hard to resist the chance of obtaining 58 of them at one fell swoop! The nostalgic jottings are illustrated with some marvellously evocative photographs, many taken by the author himself, and it is easy to see in the composition of many of them that the artist's eye was already at work."

'Railway Magazine'.

"These are scenes as I remember them. We all thought steam traction a part of the normal fabric of existence and that it would go on forever. Also of note is the clever use of figures, light, shade and weather as part of the composition. His work stands miles above the works of the 'kitch nostalgia' school of painters who may be delightful in execution but lack depth of experience, knowledge and in many cases abilities in perspective, research and composition. I recommend this highly professional book which is well organised, entertaining and beautiful at the same time representing good value, reading material and technical information as well. It is the sort of book to hand on to your grandchildren after a lifetime of reading."

'Steam World' magazine.

'Steam on Canvas'

Published in 2005 this is the second collection of paintings by Philip D. Hawkins and includes almost fiftly full-colour plates along with numerous preliminary studies, sketches and photographs. Hawkins' style is instantly recognisable, conveying not only the accurate representation of the selected subject but also the much more difficult and intangible aspect of 'atmosphere'. Though mainly dealing with steam there are several delightful surprises for the modern traction enthusiast.

Each of the major works is accompanied by a fascinating description of the subject matter. Of particular interest are the 'step by step' pictures accompanying three of the paintings which give a fascinating insight into the artist's thought processes culminating in the finished work.

This second collection of his work will further strengthen his reputation as the greatest railway artist of his generation. Foreword by Pete Waterman.

ISBN No. 978-0860935926 published by OPC, website here www.ianallanpublishing.com

Snippets of a few reviews.

"Philip Hawkins is probably one of the finest artists in the country, his background as a technical illustrator in industry who has moved on has served him well over the years and much of his career has paralleled those old masters whose work graces the National Gallery in London. It's not too wild a statement to say that perhaps, one day, the work of Philip D. Hawkins will appear alongside those great artists of an earlier era."

'British Railway Modelling' magazine.

"For the many who have long admired Philip Hawkins' paintings, but don't know which one to choose first, here is a magnificent selection of some of his best work of recent years in a splendid presentation volume. There are too many treasures here to mention, and while everyone will have their own favourites, this highly recommended volume will disappoint no one."

'Steam Railway' magazine.

"Among the almost fifty full plates are some of Philip's best known and most loved works, including a number of ultra-modern diesel and electric commissions for the rail industry. In fact, it's hard to look at this book and not find yourself gasping in surprise as the images transport you back to a time you thought had gone forever! Highly recommended."

'Railway Magazine' magazine.

"The reader is also given an insight into the commercial side of an artist's life, as the author describes his work for railway or associated companies such as Crewe Works, EWS, Virgin and others. The superb 'gallery" of railway paintings, combined with the books strong autobiographical element, make this volume a very desirable addition to the library."

'Railway Modeller' magazine.

The following books include paintings by Philip D. Hawkins.

'The Trains We Loved'

First published in 1994 and reprinted in paperback in 2002. In addition to the cover picture the book contains over thirty full colour plates of Philip's paintings.

ISBN No. 0715313835

'Along Artistic Lines'

Published in 2003 by the Guild of Railway Artists in association with the National Railway Museum, featuring the work of Guild members. Foreword by Andrew Scott head of the National Railway Museum.

ISBN No. 1902827104

'A Century of Railways'

Published in 1996 to celebrate the centenary of the 'Railway Magazine' in conjunction with the Guild of Railway Artists. Foreword by HRH The Duke Of Gloucester.

ISBN No. 0860935353

'To The Seaside'

First published in 1990 and reprinted in paperback in 2006. A collection of artwork with a 'seaside' theme by members of the Guild of Railway Artists. Foreword by Terence Cuneo.

ISBN No. 0715394436

These books are not available direct from the artist or Quicksilver Publishing. Please use the ISBN number provided to find them with any major book seller. A web search here www.bookhead.co.uk is a good place to start.

The following books feature cover pictures from paintings by Philip D. Hawkins

and are published by Oakwood Press.

"Birmingham Footplateman"
by Dennis Herbert
published 2007
ISBN 978 0 85361 670 2

"On The Footplate
at Bushbury"
by Keith Terry
ISBN 0 85361 649 3

"Edward Thompson
of the LNER"
by Peter Grafton
ISBN 978 0 85361 672 6

Oakwood Press website is here: www.oakwoodpress.co.uk

These books are not available from the artist or Quicksilver Publishing. Please use the link above to go to the Oakwood Press website.

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