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SS Great Western setting off from Bristol on her maiden voyage to the United States, 1838
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SS Great Western setting off from Bristol on her maiden voyage to the United States, 1838
This print shows the SS Great Western setting off from Bristol on her maiden voyage to the United States. She is shown in profile, sailing in the daytime and choppy waters with four masts and one funnel. Her sails are raised and smoke is billowing from the funnel. One of her masts carries the flag of the United States. Far in the background of the picture, the green of the English shoreline is still visible. The SS Great Western is surrounded in this picture by other vessels of varying sizes, all considerably smaller than her. In the background to the left and right of the Great Western, are two of the larger vessels, older sailing ships which are now dwarfed by this colossal steam ship. Milling around in the foreground of the picture are a collection of about ten smaller boats; some carrying passengers, some fishing boats
Media ID 24268234
© SS Great Britain Trust
Bristol Isambard Kingdom Brunel Steamship Ss Great Western
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the historic moment when the magnificent SS Great Western embarked on her maiden voyage from Bristol to the United States in 1838. The ship, depicted in profile, gracefully sails through choppy waters with its four masts proudly standing tall and its sails fully raised. Smoke billows from the single funnel, symbolizing the power of steam that propels this colossal vessel forward. In a nod to her destination, one of the masts carries the flag of the United States, showcasing the ship's transatlantic ambitions. As she leaves behind England's green shoreline in the distance, smaller vessels surround her in awe-inspiring admiration. These diminutive boats pale in comparison to her grandeur and serve as a testament to Isambard Kingdom Brunel's visionary engineering prowess. To add depth and context to this historical scene, two older sailing ships can be seen flanking SS Great Western on either side. Once mighty vessels themselves, they now appear dwarfed by this technological marvel before them. Intriguingly bustling around in front of this maritime spectacle are about ten smaller boats; some filled with passengers eagerly waving goodbye while others engage in fishing activities. Their presence adds a sense of scale and human connection amidst all these monumental achievements. This remarkable print immortalizes an iconic moment that marked not only a significant milestone for SS Great Western but also heralded a new era of steam-powered travel across vast oceans - forever changing how we explore our world.
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