Launch of the Great Britain Steamship at Bristol July 19th 1843
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Object number2000.095
TitleLaunch of the Great Britain Steamship at Bristol July 19th 1843
Creator Joseph Walter (artist), Day & Haghe (engraver), George Davey (publisher)
DescriptionColoured print showing the launch of the SS Great Britain on 19 July 1843 in Bristol from the Great Western Dockyard. The ship can be seen being towed out of the dock into the Floating Harbour. Celebratory flags are flying on all masts. At the mast tops large flags can be seen to represent the United States, the imperial eagle of Russia, the British Royal Standard, and the national flags of France and Sardinia. A white pennant with the ship's name is flown at the last mast top.
The white ensign is flown at the stern of the ship. The law which reserved the white ensign for exclusive use by the Royal Navy was not passed until 1864, over twenty years after the launch of the Great Britain. Prince Albert was present at the launch and it is thought the white ensign was flown in his honour.
In the foreground crowds of people can be seen who came to see the launch of the ship. The harbour is filled with small boats and the far side of the harbour also appears crowded. The city of Bristol spreads out into the background and the engine factory of the Great Western Dockyard can be seen towards the right behind the ship.
The legend below the print offers a dedication to His Royal Highness Prince Albert and shows both the royal coat of arms as well as the Bristol coat of arms. It further lists details and dimensions of the ship. The print is based on a painting by the artist Joseph Walter.
Production date 1843 - 1843
Production period19th century
Object nameprint
Object categoryvisual art
Materialpaper
Techniqueprinted
Dimensions
- paper length: 620 mm
paper width: 445 mm
Credit lineCourtesy of the SS Great Britain Trust.