A satire: The breech of the Thames Tunnel and its subsequent flooding in May 1827. The visitors to this popular site are shown fleeing in panic as disaster strikes. Water pours into the tunnel from the top left while workers watch in horror and shout warnings. Engineer Marc Brunel, whose tunnelling shield technology was used in the construction of the tunnel, stands on a ladder next to the cascade and exclaims "My hypothesis is gone to the devil". Well-dressed ladies and gentlemen trip over themselves while racing towards the right, with one visitor remarking "If I can get home before this transpires I'll sell my shares immediately", a reference to the South Sea Bubble that is also referenced in the title. Above the speech bubbles of the frantic crowd is a sign on the wall of the tunnel proclaiming "The tunnel being perfectly dry and safe the public are invited to visit it every day Sunday excepted. Admittance one shilling".
Alternative Title:
Another bubble burst!
Description:
Title etched below image., Attribution to Charles Williams from dealer's description., Sheet trimmed within plate mark., Four columns of verse, with two additional lines centered below, etched below title: Old father Thames someday ago, thinkining [sic] he heard a noise below ..., Not in the Catalogue of prints and drawings in the British Museum. Division I, political and personal satires., and Mounted on modern white card stock.
Publisher:
Pubd. May 1827 by S. Knights, Sweetings Alley, Royal Exchange
Subject (Geographic):
Thames Tunnel (London, England), England, and London.
Subject (Name):
Brunel, Marc Isambard, 1769-1849
Subject (Topic):
Construction workers, Sightseers, Disasters, Tunnels, and Crowds
