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The Burial of the Broad-Gauge, 1892
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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
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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
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