A View of the Tunnel under the Thames, as it will appear when completed
1828
Place madeLondon, England, Europe
Cardboard, paper
Overall: 4 1/2 x 5 7/8 x 1/4 in. ( 11.4 x 14.9 x 0.6 cm )
INV.8083ab
In 1823 Marc Isambard Brunel designed a tunnel under the Thames from Rotherthithe to Wapping. The tunnel was not completed until 1843.
DescriptionPrinted and hand-colored cardboard and paper peep-show or "perspective" with slip case showing the tunnel under the Thames River in London; rectangular cover with printed pink frame, inscription, and central oval window with cut-away view of river, riverbed, and tunnel; interior with acordian folds each decorated with views of the two tubes of the tunnel lit by lanterns with figures and horse-drawn carriages; in brown cardboard slipcase with oval illustration, cut-away view of the river, riverbed, and tunnel; retailer's label on obverse.Markingsprinted: on slipcase, obverse: "A View of the/TUNNEL/under the/THAMES./Price 2 s Pubd. Feb. [1] 1828. Superior Edition 3s"
printed: on sticker affixed to reverse of slipcase: "W & A. ESSEX,/Bazaar,/Soho Square./Nos. 333./4.5 & 6"
printed: on cover of peepshow, lower right corner: "Engineer Mr. Brunell./Pubd. Feb.1.1828 by/S.F. Gouyn. 7. Fisb. St. Hill."
printed: on cover of peepshow, lower left corner: "The Carriage ways will be circular./Foot Passengers will descend/the Shafts by stairs."
printed: on cover of peepshow, center: "A View/of the/TUNNEL/under the Thames as it will appear when completed./[cut-out window]/The Vignette exhibits a Section of the Tunnel, also a representation of the hole in the bed/of the River, which Innundated the works, 18 May 1827, and the manner in which it is/stop'd with bags of Clay &c./Dimensions of the Tunnel... [length, height, and width]..."
ClassificationsENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION
