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.
- Printmaker: Williams, Charles, active 1797-1830, printmaker.
- Title: The tunnel!!!, or, Another bubble burst! [graphic].
- Publication: [London] : Pubd. May 1827 by S. Knights, Sweetings Alley, Royal Exchange, [May 1827]
827.05.00.03+
Acquired March 2019
