This tinted lithograph depicts the famous steamship ‘Great Britain’, which was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and built at Bristol by the Great Western Steamship Company. She was launched by Prince Albert in 1843. The Great Britain’s innovative design successfully combined steam and sail power, making her swift and fuel efficient, which enabled her to cross the Atlantic in half the time of other ships of the day. She is shown here to her full advantage, steaming at full tilt through choppy seas, appearing streamlined and efficient as she glides past the square rigged sailing vessel off her port bow.