I have been an illustrator and graphic designer for over 30 years and a website developer for over 10 years. My interest in illustration began at Secondary School and developed at the Reading Collage of art & Design in the mid 70’s.
I was employed at various design agencies, including The Creative Company, Masterguide and Greys Direct, until deciding to go freelance in the late 80’s. My own company Hamilton-Rio Design Ltd. was set up in 2003 and has been involved in the design and production of both printed products and the design and development of websites.
I have over the years been a keen photographer of wildlife and landscapes starting with Minolta equipment for film and progressing to Canon for digital images. My current equipment comprises a Canon EOS 500D with 3 Canon lenses.
I also paint fine art in oils and have had some success in both sales of work and commissions.
I knew Laurie from when Hamilton-Rio Design produced corporate calendars for the international company Laurie was employed by. It was after this that we first discussed the idea of a website for Great British Steam Trains.
My uncle Norman (sadly deceased), was a train driver on the Great Western Railway from 1939 to 1979. He introduced me to some of his ‘best mates’ and I recorded their tales from their days on the Great Western Railway, Swindon Depot. These have now been included in our library.