This hand-coloured lithograph depicts the ‘Great Western’, which was the first purpose-built transatlantic steamship. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and launched in Bristol in 1837, she established the advantage of steam over sail for transatlantic travel, becoming the model for successive Atlantic paddle steamers. She is shown here leaving Cumberland Basin on the morning of the 18th August 1837, towed by the steam tug ‘Lion’ and accompanied by the steamers ‘Benledi’ and ‘Herald’, on her way to London to receive her engines. Crowds of onlookers watch from the near and far shores.