Home > People > Industrialists > Isambard Kingdom Brunel
The Burial of the Broad-Gauge, 1892
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from SS Great Britain
The Burial of the Broad-Gauge, 1892
Cartoon from Punch 1892 titled The Burial of the Broad-Gauge. 1892 marked the end of the use of broad-gauge (7 feet) which was scrapped in preference to the narrow-gauge (4feet 8 and 1Ôüä2 inches) on Britains rail system
Media ID 24266896
© SS Great Britain Trust
Great Western Railway Isambard Kingdom Brunel Broad Gauge Ghost Punch Magazine
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Literature
> Magazines
> People
> Industrialists
> Isambard Kingdom Brunel
> Popular Themes
> Brunel
> Popular Themes
> Railway Posters
> SS Great Britain
> Brunel Family
> SS Great Britain
> The Great Western Railway
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in British railway history - "The Burial of the Broad-Gauge, 1892". Published as a cartoon in Punch magazine, this artwork symbolizes the end of an era for the Great Western Railway and its visionary engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel. In 1892, Britain bid farewell to the broad-gauge rail system (measuring 7 feet) that had once been championed by Brunel himself. The decision was made to replace it with the narrow-gauge (4 feet 8 and 1/2 inches), which became the standard across the country's rail network. This transition marked a monumental shift in technology and engineering practices. The image depicts a somber scene resembling a funeral procession. A ghostly figure representing Brunel stands at one end of an open grave while mourners clad in Victorian attire surround him. The burial site is adorned with wreaths bearing inscriptions such as "Broad Gauge R. I. P" "The Burial of the Broad-Gauge" serves as both homage to Brunel's innovative spirit and commentary on progress itself. It encapsulates how technological advancements can render even groundbreaking achievements obsolete over time. As we gaze upon this thought-provoking photograph, we are reminded not only of Brunel's lasting legacy but also of society's perpetual quest for improvement and efficiency. The image invites us to reflect on our own relationship with progress and reminds us that change is inevitable - even when it comes at the expense
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.