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| Images courtesy of Wikipædia |
A fantastic find here as previously unseen pictures of the iconic Tower Bridge in the very early stages of its construction are revealed, after laying undiscovered in a London flat for years - including at one point being consigned to a skip!
Some of these photos must date from close to the beginning of the bridge's creation in 1886, as quite apart from the basic amount of progress visible in some of them, according to the accompanying report the "most recent" ones date from 1892 - two years before completion!
It always amazes me how such historically important documents can be lost and even disposed of without a second thought, let alone dismissed - particularly by those who should know better. More fool that Tower Bridge Museum worker who indifferently claimed "we've got enough of those photographs already"! How many of us have come into possession of - have saved - really old items that people were going to throw out as rubbish? I know I have! Well done to this caretaker, whoever he is, and to City of Westminster tour guide Peter Berthoud, for saving a record of the construction of a beautiful landmark structure and a piece of British history.
Tower Bridge, with its 19th Century Gothic stonework and unique design, has long been one of my favourite London landmarks. Crossing it is always a thrilling experience and to see it or approach it both up close and from a distance is one of the greatest delights of working in the City. I'm overjoyed to see these new photos detailing its creation, which was in itself an engineering marvel, and I'm sure they will now take pride of place in a London museum.
