Sir Marc Isambard Brunel 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

Marc Isambard Brunel, 1798. Creator: Charles Balthazar Julien Fevret de Saint-Mé
Marc Isambard Brunel, 1798

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

Diving bell use. Historical artwork of James Rennies diving bell (centre left) being used to repair the collapsed Thames tunnel during its construction

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Sir Marc Isambard Brunel: Pioneering the Underground World Step into the fascinating world of Sir Marc Isambard Brunel, a visionary civil engineer who left an indelible mark on London's landscape. With his groundbreaking achievements and unwavering determination, he revolutionized transportation and engineering in the 19th century. One of his most iconic projects was the Thames Tunnel, a marvel that connected two sides of London beneath the mighty River Thames. In 1827, construction began on this audacious endeavor, capturing imaginations far and wide. The proposed western archway of this tunnel showcased its grandeur even before completion in c1831. Born in 1798 to French parents, Marc Isambard Brunel inherited their ingenuity and passion for innovation. His son, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, would later follow in his footsteps as another legendary figure in engineering history. Intriguing depictions from various eras shed light on Sir Marc's remarkable journey. A portrait from 1812 showcases him as one of the pathfinders paving the way for future advancements. Another image captures him with dignity during the mid-1850s when his reputation had reached new heights. The diving-bell used during construction stands as a testament to Sir Marc's commitment to pushing boundaries. This ingenious device allowed workers to delve deep into uncharted territory under immense pressure – quite literally – ensuring progress continued unabated. When finally opened for traffic around 1872, the Thames Tunnel became an instant sensation among Londoners and visitors alike. Its interior view from 1830 reveals a bustling hive of activity beneath their feet – a true feat of human achievement hidden below ground level. Detailed plans and elevations meticulously crafted by E Turrell offer insight into both Sir Marc's meticulous approach and innovative thinking throughout every stage of construction. These documents serve as blueprints not only for tunnels but also for inspiration and admiration of his genius.