Framed Print : Barrow-in-Furness shipyard 1920 EPW004064

EDITORS COMMENTS

In this aerial photograph, Barrow-in-Furness shipyard in Cumbria, England, comes alive with the bustling activity of ship construction in July 1920. The image, taken by Aerofilms, reveals four ships at various stages of completion, their skeletal frames standing proud against the backdrop of the Irish Sea. Barrow-in-Furness shipyard, established in 1852, had grown significantly by the early 20th century. By 1920, it was under the operation of Vickers Ltd, transforming into a major Naval Construction Yard. At this time, the yard was not only building naval vessels for the British military but also constructing merchant vessels and liners for renowned companies such as Cunard. The intricate dance of shipbuilding is on full display in this photograph. Workers can be seen on the decks of the partially completed ships, while cranes and other machinery loom overhead, ready to lift and place heavy components into position. The ships' hulls, still in their raw, unfinished state, are a testament to the meticulous process of turning raw materials into seaworthy vessels. The vast expanse of the shipyard, with its maze of crisscrossing walkways and numerous buildings, serves as a reminder of the industrial might and innovation that characterized this period in maritime history. The ships, once completed, would set sail on their respective journeys, contributing to the global trade and transportation networks that connected the world. This photograph offers a unique and fascinating glimpse into the past, providing a tangible link to the rich maritime heritage of Barrow-in-Furness and the broader history of shipbuilding in the United Kingdom.