Manufacturer: Donald Innes Heritage Collection
Photographer: Donald Innes
Hull RLFC Supporters Bus, 1952
This remarkable 1952 heritage photograph captures a busload of Hull RLFC supporters travelling across Yorkshire to follow a major Rugby League fixture. At the heart of the scene, a placard identifies Versatile Bob and His Boulevard Club's Rag Time Band, while hand-painted signs call out “Up the Airlie Birds” and “Up the Cream”.
The Airlie Birds is the historic nickname for Hull F.C., Hull Rugby League Football Club. The name comes from Airlie Street, the road beside The Boulevard, the club's former home from 1895 until 2002. This image captures the wider culture of Hull supporters travelling together to follow the sport, on this occasion travelling to Huddersfield to watch Wigan play Bradford Northern in the 1951/52 Championship Final. Wigan won 13-6. During the 1951/52 season, Hull FC finished 3rd in the Northern Rugby League table. They qualified for the Championship playoffs but were knocked out before reaching the final, which explains why those travelling supporters were heading to watch the top-tier playoff action involving Bradford. Hull FC were successful, however on other occasions and won the British Rugby League Championship 7 times.
In Hull's local transport and sporting history, “the Creams” refers to the distinctive cream-and-crimson buses operated by Hull Corporation Transport. During major sporting events and away games, these municipal buses were regularly chartered as special supporter transport, carrying crowds of fans across Yorkshire and creating a striking sight on the road.
With supporters gathered beside their bus, the image captures the camaraderie, character and anticipation of a postwar rugby league excursion. The smart clothes, musical instruments and lively placards bring the atmosphere of match day vividly to life, making this a distinctive piece of Hull sporting history.
Part of the Donald Innes Heritage Collection, the historic photograph has been reproduced as fine art canvas. At 60 × 30 inches, its wide format makes a striking statement in a living room, games room, hallway or sports-focused interior.
Details
- Historic 1952 photograph of Hull RLFC supporters
- Hull F.C., historically known as the Airlie Birds
- Hull Corporation Transport's cream-and-crimson “Creams” supporter buses
- Placard featuring Versatile Bob and His Boulevard Club's Rag Time Band
- Original signs reading “Up the Airlie Birds” and “Up the Cream”
- Printed on fine art canvas
- Dimensions: 60 × 30in
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