Eastern Steam Navigation Company Collection

Great Eastern on the stocks at Millwall on the Thames, 1857. View from the stern, showing the vessel in John Scott Russells (1808-1882) yard

Progress of the Great Ship, building at Millwall, for the Eastern Steam Navigation Company, 1856. Creator: Unknown
Progress of the Great Ship, building at Millwall, for the Eastern Steam Navigation Company, 1856. Scene by the River Thames in London: Brunel's SS Great Eastern, an iron sail-powered

Casting a Monster Cylinder, at Messrs. Scott Russell and Co.'s Building-Yard, Millwall, 1854. Creator: Unknown
Casting a Monster Cylinder, at Messrs. Scott Russell and Co.'s Building-Yard, Millwall, 1854. Metalworking in London during the Crimean War....the casting of the last of the four largest

Henry Thomas Hope, Esquire, Chairman of the Eastern Steam Navigation Company (engraving)
1609456 Henry Thomas Hope, Esquire, Chairman of the Eastern Steam Navigation Company (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Henry Thomas Hope, Esquire)

Henry Thomas Hope, chairman of the Eastern Steam Navigation Company (engraving)
608988 Henry Thomas Hope, chairman of the Eastern Steam Navigation Company (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Henry Thomas Hope)

Progress of the Great Ship, Building at Millwall, for the Eastern Steam Navigation Company (engraving)
1608829 Progress of the Great Ship, Building at Millwall, for the Eastern Steam Navigation Company (engraving) by English School

Isambard Kingdom Brunel beside the Great Eastern, c1857. Artist: Robert Howlett
Isambard Kingdom Brunel beside the Great Eastern, c1857. Brunel (1806-1859) proposed to the Eastern Steam Navigation Company the construction of a steamship five or six times the size of any then in

SS Great Eastern, 1859. Pictured at the port of Le Havre, France. Isambard Kingdom Brunel proposed to the Eastern Steam Navigation Company the construction of a steamship five or six times the size

The Great Eastern, 1886. Isambard Kingdom Brunel proposed to the Eastern Steam Navigation Company the construction of a steamship five or six times the size of any then in use

The Great Eastern Isambard Kingdom Brunel proposed to the Eastern Steam Navigation Company the construction of a steamship five or six times the size of any then in use

PSS Great Eastern on the ocean, 1858. Colour print after a painting by Edwin Weedon. This steamship, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel with John Scott Russell

The Grand Saloon on board the Great Eastern, 1859. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel with John Scott Russell, the Great Eastern was lauched in 1858

Casting a Monster Cylinder, at Messrs. Scott Russell and Co.s Building-Yard, Millwall, 1854. the Cylinder is Intended for the Iron Steamship being Built by Messrs. Scott Russell and Co

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The Eastern Steam Navigation Company, a prominent player in maritime history, left an indelible mark on the world with its groundbreaking vessel, the Great Eastern. This colossal ship was constructed at Millwall on the Thames and became a symbol of innovation and engineering prowess. In 1857, as depicted in stunning engravings, the Great Eastern stood proudly on the stocks at Millwall. Isambard Kingdom Brunel himself oversaw its construction, showcasing his visionary genius. The sheer size and scale of this mammoth ship were awe-inspiring; it was truly a marvel of its time. Under the leadership of Henry Thomas Hope, Esquire - Chairman of the Eastern Steam Navigation Company - this ambitious project took shape. Hope's dedication to pushing boundaries allowed for progress that had never been seen before in naval architecture. As work progressed rapidly at Messrs. Scott Russell and Co. 's Building-Yard, images captured moments like casting monster cylinders for this extraordinary vessel. These snapshots revealed not only meticulous craftsmanship but also highlighted the immense effort required to bring such an innovative creation to life. Finally launched into open waters in 1858 as SS Great Eastern (later known simply as "Great Eastern"), she embarked upon her maiden voyage across vast oceans. With her grand saloon exuding opulence and elegance fit for royalty or high society passengers alike – showcased vividly in photographs from 1859 – she redefined luxury travel on board ships forevermore. The legacy of both Isambard Kingdom Brunel's vision and Henry Thomas Hope's unwavering commitment lived on through this iconic vessel. The Great Eastern remains etched into history books as one of mankind's greatest achievements in maritime engineering – a testament to human ingenuity that continues to inspire generations even today.