Lot Essay
Patterson was an eminent ship-builder of Bristol. He was selected to superintend the building of the first ship for the Great Western Steam-Ship Company.
Details
WILLIAM PATTERSON
Autograph letter signed ("Wm. Patterson"), to I. K. Brunel, 2 pages with intergral blank, 8vo, Bristol, 25th March 1858.
This letter which is inscribed in pencil "For Eastern Steam Report Book," discusses the use of timber in ship building. "Mr. Claxton ... requests me to send you the names of the Timber used ... which is generally Quebec red Pine, but this is not to be got for large ships. For topmasts in one piece I fear the only timber you will be able to get is Quebec yellow Pine." He recommends the use of New Zealand wood "it is strong tough and light wood, which I fear can only be obtained from Her Majesty's dock yards."
Creased on folds.
With 8 items of printed ephemera relating to the Great Eastern, including the prospectus of The Great Ship Company, Ltd. (9)
Autograph letter signed ("Wm. Patterson"), to I. K. Brunel, 2 pages with intergral blank, 8vo, Bristol, 25th March 1858.
This letter which is inscribed in pencil "For Eastern Steam Report Book," discusses the use of timber in ship building. "Mr. Claxton ... requests me to send you the names of the Timber used ... which is generally Quebec red Pine, but this is not to be got for large ships. For topmasts in one piece I fear the only timber you will be able to get is Quebec yellow Pine." He recommends the use of New Zealand wood "it is strong tough and light wood, which I fear can only be obtained from Her Majesty's dock yards."
Creased on folds.
With 8 items of printed ephemera relating to the Great Eastern, including the prospectus of The Great Ship Company, Ltd. (9)