The Trainspotter's Notebook: The unmissable book from TikTok's trainspotting sensation

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Thanks to his videos and his fame on social media, he has received gifts and produced sponsored content with the likes of popstar Joe Jonas (with whom he has gone trainspotting with), Spanish singer Rosalía, French football legend Thierry Henry and streaming service Spotify. Sustainable sunglass brand Coral Eyewear even invited him as a guest to the recent Formula One race in Miami, Florida, where he hung out with F1 drivers Alex Albon and Lance Norris. Francis Bourgeois Model Career Blazeby, Miranda. "Tiktok Trainspotting Sensation Francis Bourgeois Says Racing an F50 Is 'Like a Movie' ". SailGP . Retrieved 31 July 2022. Ahmed, Aneesa. "We Found Electronic Music Made By Francis Bourgeois". Mixmag . Retrieved 16 December 2021. It was later revealed in an interview that the name "Francis" was chosen because "he likes France and the way they do trains," [1] and "Bourgeois" was inspired by a visit with his father to a sculpture exhibition by Louise Bourgeois at either the London's Tate Gallery or Somerset's Hauser & Wirth gallery. [32] [33] [13] [12] Given the perception amongst his school peers that trainspotting was uncool, he explained that his pseudonym allowed him to "feel a bit more protected" when making videos. When he was applying for his fourth-year work placement, the university staff informed him that potential employers might search his name, and this is not something he wanted to worry about. [33] Additionally, he believes that "Francis Bourgeois" has "a bit more of a ring to it" than his given name. [34] Social media career [ edit ]

I think my parents and my grandparents were definitely aware I was really into my trains by the time I was about three. Aged four I went to Pecorama in Devon, where they have the Peco factory, and they had a layout exhibition there and I was just in love with all these miniature trains running around. My granny very kindly bought me my first train set, which was a Pannier tank and some old freight wagons, and she kept it at her house. I used to go on Monday afternoons after school and would look forward to it all week, and then every Christmas and birthday there would be a little addition.” Trainspotting With Francis Bourgeois, then, acts as a sly repudiation of this argument. His TikToks are a largely solitary affair, but here we see him interacting at length with people, which allows us to see a more well-rounded version of him. My conclusion, at least based on the first two episodes, is that Bourgeois really is the halting, posh eccentric he claims to be. Either that, or he happens to be a world-class actor who for some reason has chosen to harness his talents for the exclusive purpose of smiling at trains on the internet. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the railway as the world's most famous trainspotter and TikTok sensation Francis Bourgeois, takes you on an epic journey and shows you the joy of following your own passions. Ravindran, Manori (4 January 2022). "Trainspotting TikTok Talent Francis Bourgeois Signs With YMU (Exclusive)". Variety . Retrieved 20 January 2022. a b c d Finnan, Sarah (16 November 2021). "Meet Francis Bourgeois, the viral TikTok trainspotter sparking joy with his videos". IMAGE.ie . Retrieved 27 November 2021.Walton, Simon (6 January 2022). "Smiles all round as GBRf appoint social media brand ambassador". RailFreight . Retrieved 6 January 2022. Royce, Aaron (18 January 2022). "TikTok Trainspotter Francis Bourgeois Stars in Gucci x The North Face's New Campaign". Footwear News . Retrieved 18 January 2022. When you started posting TikTok videos in 2020, did you ever think it would lead to where you are now? In late November 2021, Bourgeois registered Francis Bourgeois Limited as a private limited company. [30] In January 2022, he signed with the Books division of YMU, an international talent management company, [38] and he became a brand ambassador for GB Railfreight. [39] Shortly after, he shot an ASOS promotional video on a GBRf locomotive. [40] [41]

Arianne Davey spoke to TikTok star Francis Bourgeois, for The Railway Magazine, at the launch of his debut book, The Trainspotter’s Notebook, and uncovers a more traditional side to his rail enthusiasm. Credit: Isaac Marley Morgan In March 2022, Bourgeois starred in Paul Smith's "What Makes You Happy?" campaign, modelling the PS Paul Smith Happy collection. [87] [88] [89] I don’t see myself stopping trainspotting any time soon,” he says. “It will be life-long, and I love making videos about it and making people laugh and feel happy.”The Discover List: Meet the TikTok Creators of 2022". TikTok Newsroom. 16 August 2019 . Retrieved 15 November 2022. Now that his notoriety has hit critical mass, it’s only right that Francis Bourgeois has his own TV show of sorts. Trainspotting With Francis Bourgeois is a series of shorts for Channel 4 Digital, and sees Bourgeois accompany various celebrities through locomotive-based activities. It’s fun, but suffers from one huge central problem: nothing on the show is quite as interesting as Bourgeois himself. Panesar, Gursharan; Fasano, Lavinia. "Why TikTok sleuths are luxury's most valuable asset". The Future Laboratory. LS:N Global . Retrieved 8 February 2022.