Sir 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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Sir Marc Isambard Brunel was a pioneering civil engineer who played a pivotal role in the construction of the Thames Tunnel in London. This remarkable feat of engineering, which began in 1825 and took 18 years to complete, revolutionized transportation and showcased Brunel's ingenuity. The proposed western archway of the Thames Tunnel, depicted in a view from around 1831, gives us a glimpse into Brunel's vision for this ambitious project, and is awe-inspiring to imagine how he transformed this underground passage beneath the River Thames into a bustling thoroughfare. In the Pathfinders painting by James Northcote from 1812, we see Sir Marc Isambard Brunel at work with his fellow engineers. Their determination and expertise laid the foundation for one of London's most iconic landmarks. The diving-bell used during construction, captured in an image from around 1878, symbolizes both danger and innovation. This device allowed workers to descend into great depths while ensuring their safety—a testament to Brunel's commitment to protecting his workforce. When it finally opened for traffic in its original form around 1872, the Thames Tunnel became an instant marvel. Its interior view from 1830 reveals an impressive structure that seamlessly merged functionality with architectural elegance. Jules Louis Arnout's artwork from 1854 showcases the entrance to this subterranean wonderland—an invitation for visitors to explore its hidden depths and experience firsthand what had once seemed impossible. The shield used during construction (depicted by an artist in 1835) demonstrates how Brunel overcame immense challenges such as water pressure and unstable soil conditions. His innovative tunneling methods set new standards for future projects worldwide. Detailed plans, sections, and elevations created by E Turrell in 1835 provide insight into the meticulous planning behind every aspect of this grand undertaking, and is through these documents that we can truly appreciate Brunel's genius.