Royal Albert Bridge Collection

Royal Albert Bridge, Chelsea, London, England, United Kingdom, Europe

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

Early morning sun lights up the Tamar Bridge and Royal Albert Bridge, spanning the River Tamar at Saltash, Cornwall, England. Spring (April) 2021

Sunrise over the Royal Albert Bridge which spans the River Tamar in Saltash, Cornwall, England, United Kingdom, Europe

Photograph of the Royal Albert Bridge at Saltash, c1855
Photograph of the Royal Albert Bridge at Saltash, showing brick pillars and start of metal fencing. Shows approach to River Tamar whilst still on land, on the Cornwall shore

Photograph of the Royal Albert Bridge, 1858
Royal Albert Bridge, Saltash, showing Cornwall span of tubes in place, and Devon span of tubes in process of being manoeuvred into position

Isambard Kingdom Brunel sketch: railway carriage and Saltash Bridge, c1849-1852
Two sketches by Brunel - Great Western Railway eight wheel carriage: brief and very faint pencil sketch showing several carriages and position of wheels

Photograph of the Royal Albert Bridge, c1870
Royal Albert Bridge at Saltash, which crosses the River Tamar and links Devon and Cornwall. Albumen-print photograph Saltash Bridge and Great Western Railway, circa 1870

Isambard Kingdom Brunel newspaper obituary, 1859
Newspaper cutting of the obituary for I.K. Brunel, published in the Illustrated London News. This clipping features an engraving of I. K

The Royal Albert Bridge, Chelsea (engraving)
1620901 The Royal Albert Bridge, Chelsea (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Royal Albert Bridge, Chelsea)

The Royal Albert Bridge (engraving)
2785782 The Royal Albert Bridge (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Royal Albert Bridge)

Saltash Bridge, c. 1930 (pencil and oil on card)
1197091 Saltash Bridge, c. 1930 (pencil and oil on card) by Wallis, Alfred (1855-1942); (30.5x42.5 cm; Private Collection; Photo eChristies Images; English, out of copyright

The Royal Albert Bridge at Saltash (engraving)
2785806 The Royal Albert Bridge at Saltash (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Royal Albert Bridge at Saltash)

Machinery for Raising the Tubes of the Royal Albert Bridge, at Saltash (engraving)
2771978 Machinery for Raising the Tubes of the Royal Albert Bridge, at Saltash (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Plymouth, Royal Albert Bridge, Saltash (colour litho)
726283 Plymouth, Royal Albert Bridge, Saltash (colour litho) by Quinton, Alfred Robert (1853-1934); Private Collection; (add.info.: Plymouth, Royal Albert Bridge, Saltash.); © Look and Learn

Royal Albert Bridge on the Great Western Railway at Saltash, Cornwall, built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1859
6014773 Royal Albert Bridge on the Great Western Railway at Saltash, Cornwall, built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1859 (b/w photo) by English Photographer

Royal Albert Bridge at Saltash (b / w photo)
6023769 Royal Albert Bridge at Saltash (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Royal Albert Bridge at Saltash)

Royal Albert Bridge, Saltash, Cornwall, late 19th or early 20th century. Artist: Church Army Lantern Department
Royal Albert Bridge, Saltash, Cornwall, late 19th or early 20th century. Isambard Kingdom Brunel built the Royal Albert Bridge to carry the Great Western Railway (GWR)

The Royal Albert Bridge, Saltash, Cornwall, 1926. Artist: Cavenders Ltd
The Royal Albert Bridge, Saltash, Cornwall, 1926. From the River Valleys set of hand-coloured cigarette cards issued with Army Club Cigarettes, Cavanders Ltd, 1926

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The Royal Albert Bridge, an architectural masterpiece designed by the renowned civil engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel in the 1850s, stands proudly in Chelsea, London. This iconic structure connects two great regions of England - Saltash in Cornwall and Plymouth in Devon - as it spans across the majestic River Tamar. As the early morning sun rises over this magnificent bridge, its intricate details are illuminated with a golden glow. The mesmerizing view showcases both the Royal Albert Bridge and its neighboring counterpart, the Tamar Bridge. Together, they form a breathtaking sight that symbolizes unity and connectivity. Dating back to 1855, a vintage photograph captures the grandeur of this engineering marvel during its early years. Another snapshot from 1858 highlights how this bridge has stood strong against time while serving as a vital transportation link for generations. In one of Isambard Kingdom Brunel's sketches from around 1849-1852, we catch a glimpse of his visionary mind at work. His design includes not only railway carriages but also incorporates elements of Saltash Bridge into his plans – showcasing his brilliance as an engineer and architect. A photograph taken circa 1870 reveals how well-preserved and timeless this landmark remains even after several decades have passed since its construction, and is a testament to Brunel's ingenuity that continues to inspire awe among all who witness it. Sadly, Isambard Kingdom Brunel's life came to an end in 1859; however, his legacy lives on through structures like the Royal Albert Bridge that he left behind. A newspaper obituary from that year pays tribute to his remarkable achievements and contributions to engineering. Engravings depicting both The Royal Albert Bridge itself and its location in Chelsea capture different perspectives of this architectural wonder. These artistic renditions further emphasize its significance within London's landscape. Even beyond photographs and engravings, artists have sought inspiration from this extraordinary bridge throughout history.