John Hillier

Harringworth Viaduct from the footplate of 45596Bahamas.

About John Hillier

JOHN HILLIER…..joined the RPS in 1964 when based in North East Cheshire which gave him the ideal opportunity to record the last rites of steam working in the North West, and particularly on the lines through the Peak. His photographic collection includes both ‘main line, ‘minor’ and industrial railways at work and he continues to seek out interesting and challenging locations for his photography. Still very active ‘by the lineside’ John’s collection includes studies taken throughout the UK since the mid-60s using both film and latterly digital output (Canon nd Miranda 35 mm cameras, Bronica, Rollei and Pentax large format cameras, Canon digital equipment and more recently a DJI Mavic 2 drone). Unfortunately the Lineside Photographic Permits he had a full set of in the 1960s are no longer issued!

John organised the Rail Camera Club’s Rail Cameramen Exhibition held at Shildon in 2018 and subsequently initiated and organised the RPS’s Young Railway Photographer of the Year Competition, the results of which were announced Ny Network Rail’s Chairman, Sir Peter Hendy at the NRM in February 2022. He has been asked by the NRM to organise a Second YRPOTY Competition which will be held to coincide with the 200^th Anniversary of Railways in 2025.

An occasional speaker and writer whose words and pictures are seen in published form from time to time; his books have included two volumes of The Photographic Artistry of Rail Cameramen featuring contributions from RCC and RPS Members.

An active ‘steam preservationist’ he represented the Bluebell Railway at rallies etc from about 1962 before becoming appointed to the Committee of the Association of Railway Preservation Societies in the late 1960s. In 1967 John became intimately involved with the preservation of 45596 Bahamas, an interest that remains to this day. As Bahamas Locomotive Society’s Commercial Director he project managed the engine’s latest overhaul and its return to the main line in 2018. He was appointed BLS Vice President in 2022.