just the ticket for a train-inspired art gallery adventure |

As the school summer holidays approach, Avanti West Coast and the National Gallery are preparing an adventure for the whole family with the ‘National Treasures by Train’ campaign.

As part of the bicentenary celebrations, 12 works of art from the National Gallery have been temporarily relocated to art galleries across the UK, including three on the Avanti network.

Families suggested through the network can stop by the Ikon gallery in Birmingham to see “Self-Portrait as Saint Catherine of Alexandria” by Artemisia Gentileschi; The Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool to see “The Rokeby Venus”; and Vermeer’s “A Young Woman Standing at a Virginal,” on display at the National in Edinburgh.

Sarah Copley, Commercial Director at Avanti West Coast, said: “We are proud to play a part in supporting the National Gallery with this fantastic campaign which will bring these masterpieces to cities across the UK.

“With the school holidays approaching, it is the perfect time to travel by train to be inspired by these paintings, but also to take part in all the creative events that will be organized by each gallery. »

The campaign is a key part of the National Gallery’s bicentenary celebrations, during which the loaned artworks will be celebrated at individual events in each of the 12 galleries. Some of these activities will be offered during the school half term holidays, giving families the opportunity to spend a fun day out on the train.

Avanti West Coast has decided to be an official partner of the campaign to encourage the 35 million people, more than half of the UK population, who will be within an hour of a masterpiece of the National Gallery, to get there by train.

Alexandra Kavanagh, Head of National Tours at the National Gallery, London, said: “The National Treasures project aims to put more people than ever before in close proximity to the National Gallery’s great paintings – and what better way to visit national treasures than by rail. We’re delighted to be partnering with Avanti West Coast to promote exhibitions in Birmingham, Liverpool and Edinburgh, bringing art to where people are and giving them another reason to visit their local museums.

There are a range of economy tickets on offer including Advanced Single Fare tickets and Superfare tickets for those with greater flexibility, for more information on train times and tickets – customers should visit avantiwestcoast .co.uk

To find out more about visiting the National Gallery: nationalgallery.org.uk