A RAILWAY COLLUSION—A HINT TO STATION-MASTERS 

John Leech created this print, titled "A RAILWAY COLLUSION—A HINT TO STATION-MASTERS", during a transformative period in Victorian England, marked by rapid industrialization and the expansion of the railway system. Leech's image captures a society in flux, hinting at the undercurrents of corruption and exploitation that often accompanied such progress. We see figures of authority, the station masters, seemingly colluding with railway operators, likely at the expense of the working class or the general public. The body language of the characters suggests an exchange, a deal made away from prying eyes, and the setting—a bustling railway station—provides a stark backdrop to this clandestine activity. The print offers a glimpse into the ethical dilemmas and social tensions of the time. It encourages us to reflect on the human cost of progress, the potential for abuse of power, and the importance of accountability in times of rapid change.