Brunel’s Ships

That versatile genius, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, built only three ships, but each of them marked a significant step in maritime affairs. The Great Western, of 1837, was the first steamship in regular service across the Atlantic; the Great Britain, of 1845, was the first screw‐propelled passenger ship; and the Great Eastern, of 1859, was by far the largest ship in the world, and remained so throughout her career. Much has been written about each ship, but interest in them remains high, and when a large audience attended an “Open Museum” course about them the response was enthusiastic...