Record

Ref No	DM1306/11/1/2/folio 23-25
Title	Letter from Isambard Kingdom Brunel to William Rowett
Description	Written from 18 Duke Street, Westminster, London. The letter originally accompanied a tracing of the plans for the masts and sails which Brunel is contemplating for his large ship and hopes that Rowett may consider the application of his system of reefing and furling sails to this design. Brunel requests that Rowett consider his letter as a private communication since Brunel does not wish to encourage unsolicited advice or allow unsupervised people to see his plans. Brunel reminds Rowett that his ship is to be a steam, not a sailing ship, and will have sails only as a concession to public opinion and explains that he would prefer to use as little sail and masts as possible and under under certain conditions which he details. Brunel also details his preferences for the type of sail and explains that the position of the masts in the ship are already determined and are based mainly on the position of the chimneys and the construction of the ship.
Date	6 March 1855
Format	Manuscript volume
Extent	3 pages
Thumbnail


Access Conditions	This material is held at the Brunel Institute - please contact the Brunel Institute to arrange access.

Add to My Items

Explore Major Collections