I wanted to pay homage to the original Japanese movie which opened in Japan in 1954 Gojira (Godzilla) was written by Shigeru Kayama and directed and co written by Ishiro Honda. I recreated the iconic scene from the film, where Godzilla rises from Tokyo Bay and attacks a passing train in Shinagawa before heading back into the ocean. I have made Godzilla rise on East Brighton beach to attack the famous Volks railway.
Volks Electric Railway is Magnus Volk’s most famous invention other than the Daddy Longlegs was his Railways. In 1883 he decided to build a small line going along the seafront in Brighton, using electricity to power the trains. It opened on 4 August 1883 and is still in operation today along the seashore as a seasonal tourist experience, now the oldest electric railway in the world.
If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know that this is the 2nd Godzilla painting I’ve done. The other was one of the 1st pictures I posted on Instagram, years ago. Please do check it out if you’re a big Godzilla fan. Also if you’re a fan of Magnus Volk’s work or Victorian engineering. Then please do go check out my painting of his Daddy Longlegs invention (sea voyage on wheels).
Ian Leaver-Blaxstone 