The building of the Great Eastern: bow view of the ship and yard.

Building of the Great Eastern, bow view of ship and yard. © National Maritime Museum, London

Repro ID: H1702

Description: Another of Robert Howlett's superb series of images of the construction of Brunel's 'Great Eastern'. Built at Millwall between 1853-57, she was the largest ship in the world at that time. She had to be launched sideways. Although a technological triumph, she was a commercial failure as a passenger liner. She later enjoyed some success as a cable-laying ship.

Creator: Robert Howlett

Date: 1857