Items Similar to Constructing the Bell Rock Lighthouse: A Triumph of Engineering in the North Sea
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 8
Constructing the Bell Rock Lighthouse: A Triumph of Engineering in the North Sea
About the Item
Hand-colored engraving illustrating the construction phases of the Bell Rock Lighthouse, part of Friedrich Johann Bertuch's "Bilderbuch für Kinder" (Picture Book for Children). This detailed depiction is from the 1790-1830 period, showcasing the complex process of building this historic lighthouse off the coast of Scotland.
The engraving is divided into four distinct sections, each labeled with figures, to show different aspects and stages of the lighthouse construction:
1. Figure 1: Depicts workers preparing the foundation of the lighthouse on the Bell Rock reef. The scene shows a group of men working on the rocky outcrop, with the calm sea and ships in the background. This illustrates the initial challenges faced due to the reef's exposure to harsh weather and waves.
2. Figure 2: Shows the early construction phase of the lighthouse, with scaffolding and cranes in place. Workers are seen hoisting materials and constructing the base of the tower. This view emphasizes the intricate engineering and teamwork required to build such a structure in a hostile marine environment.
3. Figure 3: Illustrates a more advanced stage of construction, with the conical base of the lighthouse being formed. The structure is now more defined, with significant progress shown in building the lighthouse's base. The presence of cranes and construction materials highlights the ongoing work.
4. Figure 4: Provides a cutaway view of the completed lighthouse, showcasing the internal structure and rooms. It depicts the various levels within the tower, including the lantern room at the top, and features a side view of the exterior. This detailed view provides insight into the functional design of the lighthouse, meant to withstand extreme weather conditions.
History of the Bell Rock Lighthouse
The Bell Rock Lighthouse, designed by Robert Stevenson, was constructed between 1807 and 1810. It is located on Bell Rock, a dangerous reef in the North Sea, approximately 11 miles off the coast of Angus, Scotland. The construction of the lighthouse was a significant engineering feat, given the challenges posed by the reef's location, submerged under water most of the time, and the harsh conditions of the North Sea.
The lighthouse was built using massive interlocking stone blocks, which provided both strength and stability. Its design was influenced by the earlier Eddystone Lighthouse in the English Channel. Upon completion, the Bell Rock Lighthouse stood as a beacon of safety, significantly reducing the number of shipwrecks in the area, and became an enduring symbol of maritime safety and engineering prowess.
Current State
The Bell Rock Lighthouse still stands today and remains operational, although it has been automated since the early 1980s. The lighthouse continues to serve as a crucial navigational aid for ships navigating the North Sea. It is recognized as one of the world's oldest surviving sea-washed lighthouses and has been designated a Category A listed building, acknowledging its historical and architectural significance.
About the Original Work
"Bilderbuch für Kinder" was an educational work aimed at children, designed to provide knowledge on various subjects through engaging and detailed illustrations. The series was pioneering for its time, combining artistry and science to create a compelling visual and educational resource. Bertuch's use of colored engravings was instrumental in bringing complex subjects to life, making them accessible and understandable for young readers. The illustrations of the Bell Rock Lighthouse highlight the ingenuity and determination involved in early engineering projects, aiming to inspire a sense of wonder and curiosity about the natural and man-made world.
- Dimensions:Height: 9.97 in (25.3 cm)Width: 8.08 in (20.5 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:Paper,Engraved
- Period:1790-1799
- Date of Manufacture:1790
- Condition:Condition: good, given age. Light foxing, browning and general age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Original hand-coloring. Please study scan carefully.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-13825-321stDibs: LU3054341252012
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
2,428 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Langweer, Netherlands
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllAntique Map of the North Sea From the English Channel to Norway & Sweden, 1746
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'A correct Chart of the German Ocean from the North of Scotland to the Start Point, on the Coast of Great Britain; and from So. Bygden on ye coast of Norway, to C....
Category
Antique 1740s Maps
Materials
Paper
Burgundian Triumph – The Grand Procession of Charles the Bold’s Defeat, 1855
Located in Langweer, NL
Burgundian Triumph – The Grand Procession of Charles the Bold’s Defeat
This captivating hand-colored lithograph, created by H. Jenny and lithographed by Kümmerly and Wittmer, is p...
Category
Antique 1850s Prints
Materials
Paper
Antique Print of the Triumph of Justice by Elinksterk, c.1828
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Zinnebeeld der Geregtigheid - Symbole de la Justice'. The Triumph of Justice; allegorical scene with Justice standing at centre, blindfolded and holding scales,...
Category
Antique 19th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
Defeat at the Gete: The Habsburg Triumph over Orange in 1568, Published in 1632
Located in Langweer, NL
Very old and interesting engraving of the Eighty Years' War.
The Battle of Jodoigne (or the Battle of the River Gete), which was a clash that occurred on October 20, 1568, during th...
Category
Antique 1630s Prints
Materials
Paper
Antique Optical Print of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, Egypt
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Phare de l'Egypte'. A vue d'optique of the lighthouse of Alexandria. Also called Pharos of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and the most famous...
Category
Antique Late 18th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
$493 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Print of a Lighthouse in the Sunda Strait by M.T.H. Perelaer, 1888
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print of a lighthouse in the Sunda Strait, Indonesia. This print originates from 'Het Kamerlid van Berkestein in Nederlandsch-Indie.', (translation: van Berkestein, member of...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
$109 Sale Price
20% Off
You May Also Like
18t Century Engraving "The Triumph De Ceres"
Located in Houston, TX
The Triumph of Ceres engraving by Louis Crepy after Jean-Antoine Watteau. Has Watteau inscription on bottom left and Crepy inscription on the right. An early 1700's French engraving ...
Category
Antique Early 18th Century French Other Prints
Materials
Paper
Vintage Swedish Engineering Chart Poster
Located in Atlanta, GA
Vintage Swedish engineering instructional diagram chart or poster. Unframed. String hanger.
Highly collectible ephemera from 1950's Sweden.
Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Posters
Materials
Paper
Pair of Original Antique French Triumph Etchings
Located in Chicago, IL
Original antique French etchings in their original gilt frames that would be awesome used in most any room of the home.
Category
Antique 19th Century French Drawings
Materials
Paper
$1,290 / set
1747 Birth and Triumph of Venus Framed Engraving
Located in Bradenton, FL
A 1747 engraving by Jean Daulle (1703-1763), engraver to the King, as signed at the bottom left, above the title of the painting "Naissance et Triomphe de Venus" by French artist Fra...
Category
Antique 1740s French Prints
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
New Map of North America from the Latest Discoveries, 1763
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique 18th century map of the North American seaboard.
Entitled "A New Map of North America from the Latest Discoveries 1763".
By the Cartographer/Engraver - John Spil...
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century English Georgian Maps
Materials
Paper
Jay's Squirrel from the “Quadrupeds of North America" by J.J. Audubon, 1848
By John James Audubon
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Jay's Squirrel from the Audubon quarto edition of “Quadrupeds of North America”. The print has been archival mounted and framed in a period molding.
Top left: No. 18
Top right: Plat...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century American Prints
Materials
Paper
