Behind-the-scenes Harry Potter photos to fetch thousands at auction

By Ed Chatterton

Behind-the-scenes photos taken on the Harry Potter film set by the man who shovelled coal on the Hogwarts Express could fetch thousands at auction.

More than 140 pictures were captured by retired railway worker Graham Wood during the filming of the five Harry Potter movies between 2000 and 2010.

The 79-year-old volunteered as a boilerman onboard the legendary locomotive, giving him access to the stars and crew of the hit film franchise.

He said he found a way to take photos of the cast - including Daniel Radcliffe - despite cameras being banned on set to avoid unwanted paparazzi attention.

His remarkable archive is now expected to make $2,600 to $4,000 when it goes under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers on September 17.

Wood, of Buxton, Derbys., said: “I never appeared in the film, but I was behind scenes 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.

Wood added “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.”

Wood first worked as a fireman for British Rail at Buxton until 1968 when steam trains were decommissioned.

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.

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.”

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, it featured the very last shot of the entire series in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.

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.

Wood's 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.

Hansons Auctioneers’ 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 source.”