Brunel Picture Goes To Auction

3.54.00pm GMT Tue 30th Oct 2007

Commenting on today's news that Robert Howlett's famous photograph of Isambard Kingdom Brunel will be put up for auction in London, Stephen Williams MP said:

"This is very exciting news. Brunel carried out much of his work in Bristol, with undoubtedly one of his greatest achievements being the design of the Clifton Suspension Bridge. His influence can be seen throughout Bristol, including the Great Western Railway with the original terminal station at Temple Meads, as well as the SS Great Britain."

"Being appointed Chief Engineer of the Bristol Docks in 1831, Brunel obviously held the city very close to his heart. For that reason, I truly hope that the photograph will find its way to Bristol."

The picture shows Brunel in an iconic pose in front of the launching chains of the SS Great Eastern, the single largest engineering project of that Victorian period. Howlett took the photograph exactly 150 years ago, and it is expected to receive bids up to £3,000 when it is auctioned by Sotheby's on November 12th.