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Telegraph wire at the Greenwich works, c1865
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Telegraph wire at the Greenwich works, c1865
Telegraph wire at the Greenwich works, c1865. The plate is one of 26 illustrations by Robert Dudley in The Atlantic Telegraph, a book by WH Russell, 1866. This shows the reels of gutta percha-covered conducting wire being prepared to be taken for loading on to the Great Eastern, the steamship designed by Brunel. This was for the second attempt to lay a permanent transatlantic communications cable. The third attempt, the following year, was successful and reduced communication times from the length of a sea voyage to a few seconds
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Media ID 14863531
© Oxford Science Archive / Heritage-Images
Brunel Cable Dudley Effort Great Eastern Greenwich Isambard Kingdom Isambard Kingdom Brunel Oxford Science Archive Pulley Reel Robert Dudley Russell Sir William Howard Sir William Howard Russell Transatlantic Communications Cable Wh Russell William Howard William Howard Russell Gutta Percha
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print takes us back to the year 1865, capturing a pivotal moment in history at the Greenwich works. The image showcases a scene of intense activity as workers prepare reels of gutta percha-covered conducting wire for loading onto the Great Eastern steamship, designed by the legendary Isambard Kingdom Brunel. This intricate process was part of the second attempt to lay a permanent transatlantic communications cable. The significance of this endeavor cannot be overstated - it marked a turning point in global communication. Prior to this achievement, sending messages across the Atlantic Ocean took weeks or even months via traditional means. However, with the successful laying of the transatlantic cable during its third attempt in 1866, communication times were drastically reduced from sea voyage durations to mere seconds. Robert Dudley's illustration beautifully captures both the physical effort and technological ingenuity involved in this groundbreaking project. The vibrant colors and meticulous attention to detail bring life to every element within the frame – from pulleys and cables to hardworking men diligently carrying out their tasks. This historic photograph serves as a reminder of humanity's relentless pursuit of progress and innovation. It stands as a testament to those visionaries who dared to dream big and pushed boundaries beyond what seemed possible at that time.
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