Tower Bridge 130th Anniversary Videos and How They Built it.

Tower Bridge: Launching A Landmark The Unseen Opening Weeks.

Previously unseen Victorian photographs of Tower Bridge, capturing its construction and opening in 1894, were the focus of "Launching A Landmark: The Unseen Opening Weeks," a project I filmed for Tower Bridge.


2024 marked the 130th anniversary of Tower Bridge and as part of the celebrations, I had the incredible opportunity to film Tower Bridge's "Launching A Landmark: The Unseen Opening Weeks" project, exploring previously unseen Victorian photographs of the bridge's construction and the opening in 1894, which features 8 experts across 8 short films.   I've always been drawn to the human side of history, and I particularly enjoy bringing those stories to life through interviews.  Tower Bridge's "Launching A Landmark: The Unseen Opening Weeks" project, involving expert interviews about the newly discovered Victorian photographs, was exactly the kind of project I love to work on.

It was an absolute pleasure collaborating with the team at Tower Bridge, especially Steph and Dirk.  Working with Steph on the editing process was a great experience. Her insights, attention to detail and ability to see the story emerge from the rushes were instrumental in creating the final videos.  Dirk's extensive knowledge of Tower Bridge and London history was a great asset to the project.  His approach to the interviews created engaging discussions with our experts, revealing interesting details about the past.

Video Playlist: 8 videos in the series
 

This project took me to some of London's most iconic historical locations, including the London Archives, the Royal Armouries and the Tower of London.  We filmed at the fabulous London Archives, a treasure trove of historical documents and photographs (cartophiles, history buffs and vintage photo enthusiasts can become completely lost in there for hours or even days!).  We interviewed Hannah Milton, an archivist at the London Archives, where she and Dirk discussed the Molineux photographic collection and its significance to the history of London Bridge.  At the Royal Armouries, we spoke with Senior Keeper Emma Mawdsley, who provided insights into the regiments likely present at the opening of Tower Bridge in 1894.  It was a nice to be back filming at the Tower of London, a place that has witnessed centuries of history and a visit to Duxford to meet Nicholas Burnett, a paper and photography conservation expert who provided insights into the photographic techniques and the cameras used at the time.

The genesis of "Launching A Landmark" lies in a remarkable discovery by Patrick Cruttwell Molineux.  Hidden away amongst his mother's possessions, Patrick found a collection of long-forgotten Victorian photographs.. These previously unseen images, capturing the final weeks of Tower Bridge's construction and its opening in 1894, poignantly featured his great-grandfather, George Edward Cruttwell, the engineer instrumental in bringing the bridge to life.  Recognising the historical value of this find, Patrick contacted Tower Bridge's Dirk Bennett.  This simple act sparked a chain of events that culminated in "Launching A Landmark": a comprehensive effort to restore the photographs, create a public exhibition, and produce a series of eight short films to share these remarkable images and offer a unique window into Victorian London, showing the bridge as part of the lives of those who witnessed its creation.

By the late 19th century, increased commercial development in London's East End created a pressing need for a new river crossing downstream of London Bridge.  However, any new bridge had to avoid disrupting access to the busy port facilities in the Pool of London.  The solution, conceived by Architect Sir Horace Jones and engineer Sir John Wolfe Barry, was a unique bascule bridge – a bridge with lifting sections – that would allow large ships to pass while also providing a reliable road crossing.  This innovative design, combining suspension and bascule principles, resulted in the iconic structure we know today, a testament to Victorian engineering ingenuity.

Construction of Tower Bridge began in 1886 and took eight years, involving over 400 construction workers.  The bridge was built using over 11,000 tons of steel and clad in Cornish granite and Portland stone.  The impressive steam-powered hydraulic system, designed by William Armstrong, was used to raise the bascules.  On 30 June 1894, the Prince and Princess of Wales (later King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra) officially opened Tower Bridge, marking a significant moment in London's history and providing a vital new artery for the city's growing population and commerce.

To bring these images to life, we interviewed a range of experts, each offering a unique perspective.  Patrick Cruttwell Molineux, the great-grandson of George Edward Cruttwell, the resident engineer who oversaw the bridge's construction, provided a deeply personal connection to the project.  Hearing his family stories and insights into his ancestor's work added an invaluable human dimension to the historical narrative.

Professor Gordon Masterton, Former President of The Institution of Civil Engineers, provided invaluable insight into the engineering marvel that is Tower Bridge.  He explained the challenges faced by the engineers, including William Arrol, who was responsible for the steel structure, and William Armstrong, who designed the powerful steam engines that operate the bascules.  Professor Masterton also highlighted the innovative “four bridges in one” design, which was crucial for maintaining river traffic while allowing for the passage of tall ships.

Dr. Serena Dyer, Fashion Expert and Associate Professor of History of Fashion and Material Culture at De Montfort University, offered a fascinating perspective on Victorian society through the clothing worn by the people in the photographs.  She decoded the "fashion clues" to reveal insights into social status, profession, and daily life in the 1890s.

Historian Michael Ohajuru painted a vivid picture of the social landscape of Victorian London, discussing the diverse communities that thrived in the city, including Irish, Asian, Black, and Jewish populations.  He explored themes of trade, empire, class, family histories, education, and employment opportunities, providing a rich context for the images we were examining.

Nicholas Burnett, a paper and photography conservation expert, explained the advancements in Victorian photography that made these images possible and discussed the delicate process of preserving these historical treasures.  Creative Director Martyn Routledge then described the meticulous work of colourising the photographs, bringing them to life in a way that allows us to connect with the past on a deeper level.

Launching a landmark the unseen opening weeks videos below.

 

Patrick Cruttwell Molineux - Great Grandson

Nicholas Burnett - Photographic Restorer

Hannah Milton & Emma Mawdsley - Archivist

Martyn Routledge - Colourisation

Dr. Serena Dyer - Victorian Fashion

Michael Ohajuru - Victorian Londoners

Professor Gordon Masterton - Engineering Tower Bridge

Professor Gordon Masterton - Building Tower Bridge

This project was more than just filming; it was a chance to connect with the past, and a privilege to work with such a talented and passionate team.  I'm incredibly proud of what we've accomplished with "Launching A Landmark," and I hope it inspires others to explore the rich history that surrounds us.

For further information about the project follow this link to Tower Bridge https://heritage.towerbridge.org.uk.