ICM - Leeds Design Agency

Born in 1806 to his equally wonderfully named father, Marc Isambard Brunel, the greatest British engineer would be 203 years old today. Much of modern engineering is due to his genius and he is largely responsible for the creation of the railway system in Britain, appointed as chief engineer of the Great Western Railway.

His most important project was the Great Western steamship, the largest in the world at the time built. Such was the importance of shipping to the British Empire that his work in shipping has become one of his most important legacies. In fact, Brunel’s role in 19th Century British transport was hugely important in building the trade network that made Britain the richest country in the world.

For more information see BRUNEL — FATHER AND SON by John H. Lienhard.