Brunel, Howlett, and, er, me.

[David White]

Hello all,

I posted on here a while ago now about a project I did which aimed to find out how Robert Howlett produced his iconic image of I.K. Brunel in front of the chains of the Great Eastern. I wanted to build a camera similar to Howlett's to photograph Brunellian landmarks around the U.K. I received great help from members of this community which I am grateful for, thankyou. The pics and a bit of the story behind them have been put into an interesting format on a site I am now involved in; www.duckrabbit.info. please go to the projects page. There is also some very powerful documentary journalism on there from Kenya, which is well worth your time to look at.

Thanks once again, I look forward to your comments.

Very best,
David White
www.duckrabbit.info
www.nospin.co.uk

 

[Steve Smith]

Excellent.

Any details of the camera anywhere?



Steve.

 

[Andy K]

Wonderful project David, I found it extremely interesting.

 

[David White]

Hi Steve, there is a bit of detail about the camera on the blog page.
Basically it is a twin sliding box camera, mahogany and brass, 18+3/4"
lens (f4), takes 12x10" plates or film.
hth
d

 

[Andy K]

David have you tried to get into Brunel's old elevator system in the gorge near the Clifton Suspension bridge?

 

[David White]

Hi Andy, do you mean the clifton rocks railway?
http://www.cliftonrocksrailway.org.uk/
I haven't, because I concentrated only on Brunellian constructions, and I'm pretty sure that was not one..although by it's majestic ambition it could have been..
but you have given me an idea, because I did not realise they were restoring that fascinating bit of history. I wonder if they'd like some pics..
If you meant something else I apologise.
Best,
David

 

[Andy K]

Thats the one! I'd forgotten the word 'funicular'.

 

[David White]

A great word indeed!

 

[Uhner]

It is a wonderful project indeed. Your photos have managed to rekindle my interest in Brunel and his constructions.

Cheers

Claes

 

[Andy K]

David has made mention on the BBC! http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_7753000/7753202.stm. A lovely selection of photographs and highly informative commentary.

 

[Uhner]

Indeed, many thanks.

 

[phc]

Interesting project and a great slideshow David. I like the website. Cheers, Paul.

 

[David White]

Thankyou everyone, I appreciate the comments. I was very lucky to have been featured on the Beeb..even got interviewed on the Today programme..all rather daunting..