1-646-404 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

The Grand Saloon on board the 'Great Eastern', 1859. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel with John Scott Russell, the 'Great Eastern' was lauched in 1858 and was the largest vessel afloat until she was broken up in 1888. Brunel had proposed to the Eastern Steam Navigation Company the construction of a steamship six times the size of any then in use. Built of iron, in Millwall, London, she was fitted with both paddle wheels and a screwpropeller. It was not until 1899 that her dimensions were exceeded by the SS 'Oceanic'. A print from The Illustrated London News, 1859.