Credit: © The Royal Society
Image number: RS.10561
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'Morning after a storm'
Date
1789
Creator
A. Birrell (1760, British) , Engraver
After
Mary Dixon (British)
Object type
Library reference
R63812
Material
Technique
Dimensions
height (print): 490mm
width (print): 350mm
width (print): 350mm
Subject
Content object
Description
Title page from A narrative of the building and a description of the construction of the Edystone lighthouse with stone, by John Smeaton (London, 1791). The page includes an illustration of the third lighthouse built upon the Eddystone Rocks, near Plymouth, engulfed by a wave on the morning after a storm.
The third lighthouse was built following the destruction of earlier versions designed by Henry Winstanley (1644-1703), and John Rudyard (or Rudyerd; 1650- ca.1718). The Royal Society recommended the civil engineer John Smeaton (1724-1792) for the job; his lighthouse was completed in 1759.
The third lighthouse was built following the destruction of earlier versions designed by Henry Winstanley (1644-1703), and John Rudyard (or Rudyerd; 1650- ca.1718). The Royal Society recommended the civil engineer John Smeaton (1724-1792) for the job; his lighthouse was completed in 1759.
Object history
Smeaton’s lighthouse was modelled on the shape of an oak tree, and employed several novel engineering techniques. It remained in use until 1877, and was then re-erected on Plymouth Hoe, where it still stands as a tourist attraction. It can be seen in the background in the Royal Society’s two portraits of John Smeaton.
Associated place