The words “I wish I could live in a Wes Anderson film” have often been uttered by film and design lovers alike. Known for their unmistakable aesthetic, jarring symmetry, and beautifully designed sets, Wes Anderson films have a nostalgic, almost otherworldly feel about them. Now, the possibility of living in a Wes Anderson film has become a little more real, with the director joining forces with travel brand Belmond to design a carriage for its British Pullman train.
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Built in the 1950s, the Cygnus carriage was used as a First Class parlour car for the Golden Arrow and later comprised part of Sir Winston Churchill’s funeral train. Over the years it’s carried statesmen and survived WWII bomb raids, living out its later years as part of the British rail system. For its refurbishment, the Cygnus carriage was sent to France to be worked on by Anderson. The renovation preserves the carriage’s storied history and art deco elements while imbuing it with Anderson’s signature design aesthetic.
Utilising iconic lines, dreamy colour palettes, and an art nouveau style, the Cygnus carriage is instantly recognisable as designed by Anderson. Symmetrical marquetry, bold rectilinear shapes, and a vast array of complementary colours including a pastel-pink ceiling detailing and green toned carpets and chairs feature throughout. Multi-toned marquetry work in the wood panels takes the shape of sunbeams, stars, clouds, and waves, while sharp lines in the mirrors and chairs create the angular structure Anderson’s films are known for.
As the Cygnus carriage was named after the Greek God of Balance who is often personified as a swan, waterfowl details abound in the carriage. References to the myth are found within the marquetry, as well as in reflective silver leaf detailing on the ceiling and swan-shaped champagne coolers.
“I love trains!” Anderson eloquently and succinctly said of his involvement with Belmond. “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.”
Guests can experience the Wes Anderson designed Cygnus carriage on any journey on the British Pullman train, a travel experience that spans across England. Explore potential journeys and itineraries on the British Pullman train via the Belmond website.
Words by AR Staff
