The building of the Great Eastern.

Building the Great Eastern. © National Maritime Museum, London

Repro ID: H1699

Description: An awesome photograph of the 'Great Eastern' under construction at Millwall, one of a series taken by Robert Howlett (1831-58), one of the pioneers of early photography. His death, shortly after taking this picture was said to have been caused by the chemicals he was exposed to in his work. The 'Illustrated Times' praised him as 'one of the most skillful photographers of the day'.

Creator: Robert Howlett

Date: 1857