More than 140 behind-the-scenes photos snapped by the man who shovelled coal on the famous Hogwarts Express go under the hammer later this month.
The remarkable archive featuring all five Harry Potter films is expected to make £2,000-£3,000 when it appears at Hansons Auctioneers on September 17.
The pictures are the work of Graham Wood, a retired railway worker from Buxton in Derbyshire, who volunteered as a boilerman onboard the legendary locomotive.
While cameras were prohibited on set, the canny ‘fireman’ found a way to take photos of the cast and capture the wizarding action.
As well as ferrying students between Platform 9¾ at Kings Cross station to Hogwarts, the famous red engine also made appearances between Fort William and Mallaig, crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Mr Wood, 79, said: “I never appeared in the movies or had a credit, but I was in the background every time the famous locomotive made an appearance. While cameras were banned on set it was more a rule for the paparazzi than personal use and as time went by it became more relaxed.”
As well as on-set photos, his archive includes two call sheets with one, from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, signed by members of the cast including Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson.
Mr Wood continued: “I can’ t say we mixed with the cast, but those with an interest in steam trains like Mr Weasley (Mark Williams), would come down to the footplate for a chat.”
Until 1968 when steam trains were decommissioned, Mr Wood worked as a fireman for British Rail at Buxton.
It was later, while working at Tunstead quarry in Derbyshire for ICI in the 1990s, he first came across GWR 5972 Olton Hall – later reincarnated as Hogwarts Express.
At the time the locomotive, which had been saved from the scrapyard by the heritage rail operator West Coast Railway, was being used for charter trips on tracks in the north of England.
Mr Wood said: “I was a huge steam train enthusiast and keen to volunteer on the engine. Being a fireman takes a lot of skill. You need to know when you are going to need a lot of steam and what is coming up, or, as we say, ‘know the road’. I was happy to get involved.”
Olton Hall was first re-steamed in 1997, the same year JK Rowling published Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Little did he know the job would soon take him onto the set of one of the biggest film franchises in history..
Mr Wood also recalled the rigorous schedule. He said: “As soon as we got the call from Warner Brothers that the engine was required in London on, say, Saturday morning we immediately starting making arrangements at Carnforth, the station near Lancaster where she had been restored and was based.
“We’d start checking the line on Wednesday, fire her on Thursday, then set off at 6am on Friday to arrive at Hornsey midafternoon ready for King’s Cross at 6am on Saturday.”
While on-set the train crew lodged in the support coach behind the engine.
Hogwarts Express went on to be the backdrop to some of the most iconic scenes ever filmed,including the final scene for the first movie – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and then, 10 years later, for the very last shot of the entire series in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.
In May 2002 Graham was at the launch party of the DVD of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone held on Platform 9¾, Kings Cross Station.
He said: “We weren’t supposed to take photos, but I managed to sneak some as we escorted the guests onto the platform. There were so many famous people in attendance. By far the nicest was Chris Eubank who came over to thank us and say hello. He was a real gentleman.”
Mr Wood also managed to hold on to a goodie bag from the party, including soft toys, an electric train set and other Harry Potter branded sweets.
His collection also includes a burgundy cap worn in the film by Frank Santrian the driver of the Hogwarts Express and a Hogwarts Railway insignia he found discarded in one of the carriages.
A folder contains details of each numbered photograph, including details such as how production staff frosted over train window using wallpaper paste and sugar water. HansonsAuctioneers’ music and memorabilia expert, Claire Howell, said: “From never-seen photographs and autographs to worn clothing and call sheets, this is a real treasure trove for Harry Potter fans, added to which it comes from the most wonderful l source.”
The famous locomotive is now a major visitor attraction for fans at the Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden in Hertfordshire.
Mr Wood said: “I am so proud to be a part of the films. I have a son who is 50 and more into football than Harry Potter, and a granddaughter who was also never been that bothered. I hope this archive can find a new home among fans.”
Auction Details
Auction: Derby September Music, Vinyl & Film Memorabilia Auction
Auction date: 17th September 2025 | 10am
Location: Hansons Derbyshire Saleroom
Auction contact: [email protected]
Catalogue/bidding: www.hansonslive.co.uk | www.the-saleroom.com
