A Retford business has played a crucial role in getting the ‘Hogwarts Express’ camera ready
Oscar Fisher Trainee Reporter
10:42, 09 Nov 2025Updated 10:45, 09 Nov 2025
The company has played an integral role in the new Hogwarts Express(Image: Buckinghamshire Railway Centre)
A Nottinghamshire company is playing a part in the upcoming Harry Potter series.
Paintman Paint Ltd, based in Retford, has supplied the paint used on the brand-new Hogwarts Express, which will feature in the series set for release next year.
The historic locomotive No. 6989 Wightwick Hall has been transformed to take on the iconic role of the Hogwarts Express, and the paint produced by Paintman Paint helped bring its instantly recognisable deep red finish back to life.
Beth Pensom, operations director at Paintman Paint, said: “We’ve been keeping this secret for quite some time, and we’re incredibly proud to finally share it.
“To know that our paint will be seen by millions of fans around the world is an unbelievable moment for a small company like ours. It means a great deal to our whole team.”
Wightwick Hall, a 1948 Great Western Railway locomotive, has been repainted ahead of filming and will appear in its new starring role when the highly anticipated Harry Potter series launches.
Filming and production have been underway throughout 2024, with the series expected to air in 2026/27.
For Paintman Paint, which specialises in high-quality hand-mixed paints used for heritage vehicles, classic restorations and historic preservation, the project has been a milestone moment.
“Paintman Paint has always been about craftsmanship and heritage,” said Beth.
“The Hogwarts Express is a cultural icon, and to contribute to its appearance in this new chapter is something we’ll never forget.”
The company now hopes this achievement will shine a spotlight on the skills and talent found within local manufacturing.
Hot Fuzz and Sean of the Dead star Nick Frost is one of the big names set to feature in the new series, portraying the beloved Rubeus Hagrid, previously played by the late Robbie Coltrane.
Meanwhile, young star Dominic McLaughlin was revealed to be the Boy Who Lived, Harry Potter.
The production team behind the new programme previously insisted that accurately following the book was one of their top priorities.
The original film franchise cut a lot of the original material due to limited running time, but the series is expected to air for 10 seasons.