Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > East Sussex > Brighton
The "John O Gaunt"being towed to destruction, 1844. Creator: Unknown
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
The "John O Gaunt"being towed to destruction, 1844. Creator: Unknown
The " John O Gaunt" being towed to destruction, 1844. Explosion of a ship at Brighton by Captain Warner who...put to the test his alleged power of destroying ships at sea, completely and instantaneously...an immense cloud, seemingly of smoke of an unusually white complexion, but really of spray, was seen to ascend from the vessel [the John of Gaunt]...she seemed to be enveloped in a cloud of smoke...the main and mizen masts were seen to fall over the vessel into the sea. A few seconds more, and a rumbling sort of noise, which it is difficult to describe, was heard to proceed from the ship, and ere yet the sound had died on the ear the vessel was a complete wreck. She went almost instantaneously to pieces, no trace of her being visible but the top of her foremast. From " Illustrated London News", 1844, Vol V
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 20551227
© The Print Collector/Heritage Images
Brighton Brighton East Sussex England Condy Condy Nicholas Condy Nicholas Matthews Demo Demonstration Dramatic East Sussex Experiment Exploding Explosion Nicholas Nicholas Condy Nicholas Condy The Younger Nicholas Matthews Nicholas Matthews Condy Pier Test Warner Chain Pier Illustrated London News John Ogaunt
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> D
> Alfred
> Related Images
> Arts
> Artists
> E
> Alfred East
> Arts
> Artists
> W
> John White
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Brighton & Hove
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> East Sussex
> Brighton
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> East Sussex
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Sussex
> Brighton
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Sussex
> Related Images
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the dramatic moment of destruction as the infamous "John O Gaunt" is towed to its demise in 1844. The creator of this powerful image remains unknown, but their skill in capturing the intensity and chaos of the scene is undeniable. The explosion of this ship at Brighton was no ordinary event; it was orchestrated by Captain Warner, a man who sought to demonstrate his alleged power of destroying ships at sea instantly. As onlookers watched in awe, an immense cloud rose from the vessel, initially mistaken for smoke but revealed to be spray. The ship appeared engulfed in a shroud of mystery and danger. Within moments, the main and mizen masts collapsed into the unforgiving sea with a thunderous crash. A peculiar rumbling noise followed shortly after, defying description yet leaving an indelible mark on those present. In what seemed like mere seconds, before anyone could fully comprehend what had happened, the once proud vessel became nothing more than scattered wreckage. All that remained visible amidst this devastation was a solitary remnant - the top of her foremast defiantly reaching towards an uncertain sky. This engraving originally featured in "Illustrated London News" back in 1844 when it left readers captivated by both its artistic beauty and shocking subject matter. Today, this historic photograph serves as a haunting reminder not only of Captain Warner's audacious experiment but also of humanity's eternal fascination with destruction and our relentless pursuit to push boundaries beyond imagination.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
