Thousands flocked to her launch in 1843 to see the largest vessel afloat.
Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge, with its fashionable Egyption-influenced towers, was completed in 1864.
Life on Brunel's ships was well documented in photographs, diaries and letters.
I. K. Brunel was a talented artist as well as skilled engineer.
As a emigrant clipper in 1852 the SS Great Britain carried 630 first, second and third class passengers.
The crew included a surgeon, cooks, bakers, butchers and boilermen.
The SS Great Britain is just under 100m in length.
The SS Great Britain carried Welsh coal to San Fransisco and returned with South American sea bird guano.
Brunel designed the SS Great Britain to use both sail and steam power.
If you have a group keen to learn about Brunel and the SS Great Britain, we can help bring the ship to you.
Using many images from the Trust’s collection and the National Brunel Collection, our speakers give a fascinating insight into the life and work of Isambard Kingdom Brunel and the history of one of his greatest designs.
Their hour-long illustrated talks are designed for organisations, clubs and societies and speakers can bring their own laptop and projector.
What talks are available?
The history of the SS Great Britain
SS Great Britain: from launch to ‘re-launch’
The SS Great Britain: a Brief History and Aspects of Preservation and Restoration
Isambard Kingdom Brunel: I alone am hung in chains
We have speakers based in Bristol and the South West. Some speakers are able to travel to places all around the UK.
How much does a talk cost?
The Trust asks groups to cover the volunteer speakers’ expenses as well as a suggested donation of £40 to the ongoing conservation and preservation work on the ship. All expenses would be calculated and agreed prior to confirming the booking.
If you have a group keen to learn about Brunel and the SS Great Britain, we can help bring the ship to you.
Using many images from the Trust’s collection and the National Brunel Collection, our speakers give a fascinating insight into the life and work of Isambard Kingdom Brunel and the history of one of his greatest designs.
Their hour-long illustrated talks are designed for organisations, clubs and societies and speakers can bring their own laptop and projector.
What talks are available?
Click here for a full list of available talks
How far do you travel?
How much does a talk cost?