Great Eastern under construction, Millwall, London, UK (b/w photo)

Millwall, London. Isambard Kingdom Brunel's steamship Great Eastern, built between 1854 and 1858, was by far the largest ship of her time with a gross tonnage of 18,915. Designed to carry up to 4,000 passengers between England, the Far East and Australia without refuelling, Great Eastern was the first ship to have a double-skinned hull. The construction of the vessel at Millwall attracted huge public interest, and it was famously photographed by Robert Howlett as well as by Joseph Cundall. Despite acute financial difficulties, and failed launches in November 1857, Great Eastern was eventually launched in January 1858. Joseph Cundall (1818-95) albumen print from May 1855.