Marc Isambard Collection

View of the (proposed) western archway of the Thames Tunnel, London, c1831. The Thames Tunnel, connecting Wapping and Rotherhithe, was the first underwater tunnel in the world

Isambard Kingdom Brunel, civil engineer, c1850s
Isambard Kingdom Brunel, English engineer, c1850s. Brunel surrounded by vignettes of some of his most significant projects - the steamships Great Eastern, Great Britain

Pathfinders - Sir Marc Isambard Brunel, c1812, (1922). Creator: James Northcote
Pathfinders - Sir Marc Isambard Brunel, c1812, (1922). Portrait of Sir Marc Isambard Brunel, British engineer and inventor (1769-1849)

Diving-Bell Used in the Construction of the Thames Tunnel, (c1878). Creator: Unknown
Diving-Bell Used in the Construction of the Thames Tunnel, (c1878). Diving bell being used to plug a hole in the bottom of the River Thames

The Thames Tunnel (as it appeared when originally opened for traffic), (c1872). The Thames Tunnel, connecting Wapping and Rotherhithe in London, was the first underwater tunnel in the world

The Thames Tunnel, London, 1827. Views of the Thames Tunnel: top, a cross section of the tunnel with the river above; centre

View of the entrance to the Thames Tunnel, London, 1854. Artist: Jules Louis Arnout
View of the entrance to the Thames Tunnel, London, 1854. The Thames Tunnel, connecting Wapping and Rotherhithe, was the first underwater tunnel in the world

View of the shield used in the construction of the Thames Tunnel, London, 1835. Artist
View of the shield used in the construction of the Thames Tunnel, London, 1835. The Thames Tunnel, connecting Wapping and Rotherhithe, was the first underwater tunnel in the world

Interior view of the Thames Tunnel, London, 1830. The Thames Tunnel, connecting Wapping and Rotherhithe, was the first underwater tunnel in the world

Thames Tunnel, London, 1827. Artist: T Blood
Thames Tunnel, London, 1827. Four views of the Thames Tunnel, showing a general view and section, along with sections showing construction workers and a carriage travelling through the tunnel

Plan, sections and elevations of the Thames Tunnel, London, 1835. Artist: E Turrell
Plan, sections and elevations of the Thames Tunnel, London, 1835. The Thames Tunnel, connecting Wapping and Rotherhithe, was the first underwater tunnel in the world

Construction of the Thames Tunnel, London, 1827. Artist: George Cooke
Construction of the Thames Tunnel, London, 1827. View showing the tunnel under construction and the diving bell which was used. The spire of St Mary, Rotherhithe can be seen in the distance

Thames Tunnel, London, 1835. Artist: John Harris
Thames Tunnel, London, 1835. The Thames Tunnel, connecting Wapping and Rotherhithe, was the first underwater tunnel in the world

Entrance to the Thames Tunnel at Wapping, London, 1836. The Thames Tunnel, connecting Wapping and Rotherhithe, was the first underwater tunnel in the world

The Thames Tunnel under construction, London, c1835. Cross section showing the Thames Tunnel, connecting Wapping and Rotherhithe, being built; with a view of its position beneath the River Thames

Plan and longitudinal section of the Thames Tunnel, London, 1842. The Thames Tunnel, connecting Wapping and Rotherhithe, was the first underwater tunnel in the world

Thames Tunnel, London, 19th century. The Thames Tunnel from Rotherhithe to Wapping was the most remarkable undertaking by the engineer and inventor Sir Marc Isambard Brunel (1769-1849)

Thames Tunnel, London, mid 19th century. Designed by Marc Isambard Brunel, the Thames Tunnel, connecting Wapping and Rotherhithe, was the first underwater tunnel in the world

Thames Tunnel, c1830. The Thames Tunnel from Rotherhithe to Wapping was the most remarkable undertaking by the engineer and inventor Sir Marc Isambard Brunel (1769-1849)

The Thames Tunnel, London, 1832. Cross-section of Marc Isambard Brunels double-arched masonry tunnel beneath the Thames. The Thames Tunnel, connecting Wapping and Rotherhithe

Tunneling shield used in the construction of the Thames Tunnel, London, 1842
Tunneling shield used in the construction of the Thames Tunnel, London, 1825-1843. Men at work in the tunneling shield, patented in 1818 by the tunnels designer, Marc Isambard Brunel

Construction of the Thames Tunnel, London, 1825-1843. Section of Marc Isambard Brunels tunnel showing men at work in the tunneling shield (right) while others take away spoil

The Thames Tunnel, London, c1825-c1845. Cross-section showing the position of Marc Isambard Brunels double-arched masonry tunnel in relation to the Thames

Shaft for descent to the entrance of the Thames Tunnel (view from the top), London, 1831. The Thames Tunnel, connecting Wapping and Rotherhithe, was the first underwater tunnel in the world

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Marc Isambard Brunel was a remarkable figure in the field of civil engineering, leaving an indelible mark on London's landscape. One of his most notable achievements was the construction of the Thames Tunnel, which forever changed the city's transportation infrastructure. In 1827, Brunel embarked on this ambitious project, aiming to create a tunnel beneath the River Thames. This view from that time showcases the proposed western archway of this groundbreaking endeavor. The sheer scale and complexity of such an undertaking were unprecedented at that time. Brunel's son, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, himself a renowned engineer, captured his father's likeness in this portrait from the 1850s, and is evident that Marc Isambard possessed not only incredible technical skills but also an unwavering determination to push boundaries and challenge conventional wisdom. The pathfinders who followed in Marc Isambard Brunel's footsteps recognized his pioneering spirit and paid homage to his contributions. This artwork from 1922 depicts him as one of these trailblazers who paved the way for future generations in engineering. One essential tool used during the construction process was a diving-bell like this one from around 1878. These devices allowed workers to descend into great depths underwater while maintaining breathable air—an innovation crucial for completing such an audacious feat as building beneath a riverbed. When finally opened for traffic in 1872 after years of tireless effort by countless individuals involved in its creation, the Thames Tunnel became a marvel admired by all who witnessed it firsthand. This image captures its original appearance—a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. This earlier depiction from 1827 offers another glimpse into what Londoners experienced when they first set foot inside this subterranean wonder—the awe-inspiring interior view showcasing architectural brilliance melded with functional design elements. A shield like this one utilized during construction provided protection against cave-ins or collapses within unstable soil conditions—a testament to the meticulous planning and engineering prowess employed by Brunel and his team.