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Ref NoDM1306/11/1/6/folio 57-59
TitleLetter from Isambard Kingdom Brunel to John Scott Russell
DescriptionThe letter remarks on several things that have struck Brunel following his visit to the Great Eastern which he wants to bring to Russell's attention so that they can be immediately rectified. One of Brunel's complaints deals with the unevenness of some of the deck planks which cannot possibly be levelled and remarks on the need to support the deck planks over the centre of the Great Eastern, especially where the support beams are widely spaced, and to keep the deck planks tightly spaced, particularly over the cargo spaces. The letter questions Russell's disagreement over the essentialness of having a longitudinal beam supporting and stiffening the deck beams of both the upper and main decks and hopes that Russell is settling any questions over the arrangement for the cabins etc to the satisfaction of the Directors of the Great Ship Company. The letter also asks for confirmation of the maximum width and general form of construction of the bed places and offers some suggestions as to how the beds should be designed and made. The letter also requests that as soon as Russell's design for the upper saloons, which contains some alterations from Brunel's design, is completed it should be submitted to the Directors of the Great Ship Company.
Date19 May 1859
FormatManuscript volume
Extent3 pages
Access ConditionsThis material is held at the Brunel Institute - please contact the Brunel Institute to arrange access.
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