the famous photograph of I K Brunel with the chains of the SS Great Eastern for a backdrop – taken by Robert Howlett
Toronto. The picture at left is that of UK engineer I K Brunel in 1857 in front of the massive chains of the ‘SS Great Eastern’ taken by Robert Howlett a year or so before Howlett’s early death at 27.
We often think of photography as a means to enhance history, but in this case one photograph captures the essence of the Victorian era and its ideals.
The story of the photograph is reproduced from the Autumn 1997 issue of This England and begins, “A photographer on special assignment from a London magazine, 140 years ago, managed to persuade the great Victorian engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, to stand still long enough for him to take a picture.
“It was to become one of the most famous shots in history. The power of the image is still arresting. There stands Brunel in muddy boots and stovepipe hat, cigar firmly jammed in mouth, hands just as firmly thrust in pockets. Behind him: the massive hand-forged launching chains of his Great Eastern, then the world’s biggest ship, symbolize the size and scale of his achievements.
“Robert Howlett, described by a contemporary as “One of the most skilful photographers of the day,” was commissioned with Joseph Cundall to make a record for the Illustrated Times of the building of “Leviathan”, as the press dubbed the iron ship.” …
Members can read the entire article in the pdf file of issue 23-5 on the free members-only DVD/thumb drive. See above and at right to join. Email Lilianne at member@phsc.ca if you have a question.
While copies of this photograph by Howlett are rare, you may well discover other images etc, to complement your collection at one of our events – next up being the July 13 Trunk Sale.
