The Thames Tunnel
1847.
Concertina peepshow, comprising of five hand coloured lithographed panels, showing both the two tunnel channels below ground and the Thames with ships and bridges above. The panels are joined at the sides by paper 'bellows' and it is all housed in a card box with a further chromolithograph of the entrance to the tunnel on the upper cover with three peep holes one looking down each of the tunnels and one taking in the scenery above the water. 155 x 190 x 350mm when extended. Upper cover a little dusty, with splits to the corners of the box and a neat repair to one of the bellows. Internally the panels are fresh and clean. A well preserved example of a scarce Thames peepshow.
One of a number of novelty souvenirs commemorating the completion of Brunel's monumental Thames tunnel, connecting Rotherhithe and Wapping, finished in 1843. Due to their ephemeral nature, they are now uncommon in nice condition. This particular example is particularly unusual in that it has viewing holes both above and below the water level.
Stock ID: 34772
