Graving Dock Collection

New Hydraulic Lift at the Victoria Docks, 1858. Creator: Walmsley
New Hydraulic Lift at the Victoria Docks, [London], 1858. The new graving-docks in connection with the Victoria Docks, the construction of which was commenced about two years back

Port Lyttelton, New Zealand with the Entrance to the New Graving Dock (engraving)
1624349 Port Lyttelton, New Zealand with the Entrance to the New Graving Dock (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Port Lyttelton)

The opening of a graving dock at Jarrow, 1850
3330513 The opening of a graving dock at Jarrow, 1850; (add.info.: Illustration depicting the opening of a graving dock at Jarrow. Dated 19th Century.); Universal History Archive/UIG.

Reliance in dry dock, 1903. Creator: Unknown
Reliance in dry dock, 1903

Dock No. 2 at Chatham Yard, recently opened, 1858. Creator: Smyth
Dock No. 2 at Chatham Yard, recently opened, 1858. The Dock recently completed at Chatham, known as No. 2 Dock...was commenced in October, 1855, and completed in October of the present year

The Dock at Sveaborg. Creator: Elias Martin
The Dock at Sveaborg, Unknown date

New Docks and Basin, Portsmouth, 1876. Creator: Unknown
New Docks and Basin, Portsmouth, 1876. Dockyard extension comprising...a fitting and a repairing basin...a deep graving-dock...locks...[and] an extensive coal-store...when [the works] are completed

A Vessel in Dry-Dock, 17th century. Creator: Unknown
A Vessel in Dry-Dock, 17th century

U.S.S. Oregon in dry dock, Brooklyn Navy Yard, 1898 Aug-Oct. Creator: William H. Jackson
U.S.S. Oregon in dry dock, Brooklyn Navy Yard, 1898 Aug-Oct

U.S.S. Oregon in dry dock, Brooklyn Navy Yard, 1898 Aug-Oct. Creator: William H. Jackson
U.S.S. Oregon in dry dock, Brooklyn Navy Yard, 1898 Aug-Oct

U.S.S. Massachusetts in dry dock, between 1896 and 1901. Creator: William H. Jackson
U.S.S. Massachusetts in dry dock, between 1896 and 1901

Dry Dock on Curaçao, 1959. Creator: Suzanne Perlman
Dry Dock on Curacao, 1959

The Great Western Docks, Plymouth: the Graving Dock, 1857. Creator: Unknown
The Great Western Docks, Plymouth: the Graving Dock, 1857.... the plans...were prepared by Mr. I. K. Brunel, and carried out under the superintendence of Mr

Str. John Craig in dry dock, Detroit, between 1900 and 1905. Creator: Unknown
Str. John Craig in dry dock, Detroit, between 1900 and 1905

Str. John Craig in dry dock, Detroit, between 1900 and 1905. Creator: Unknown
Str. John Craig in dry dock, Detroit, between 1900 and 1905

Floating dry dock, Great Lakes Engineering Works, 1906. Creator: Unknown
Floating dry dock, Great Lakes Engineering Works, 1906

Great Lakes Engineering Works, Ecorse, Mich. (1906?). Creator: Unknown
Great Lakes Engineering Works, Ecorse, Mich. (1906?)

Steamer "City of Cleveland", stern view showing construction, 1907. Creator: Unknown
Steamer "City of Cleveland", stern view showing construction, 1907

Steamer City of Cleveland, 1907. Creator: Unknown
Steamer City of Cleveland, 1907

Steamer City of Cleveland, 1907. Creator: Unknown
Steamer City of Cleveland, 1907

Steamer City of Cleveland, 1907. Creator: Unknown
Steamer City of Cleveland, 1907

City of Cleveland, Steamer #168 on the ways, 1907. Creator: Unknown
City of Cleveland, Steamer #168 on the ways, 1907

City of Cleveland, Steamer #168 on the ways, 1907. Creator: Unknown
City of Cleveland, Steamer #168 on the ways, 1907

City of Cleveland, Steamer #168 on the ways, 1907. Creator: Unknown
City of Cleveland, Steamer #168 on the ways, 1907

City of Cleveland, Steamer #168 on the ways, 1907. Creator: Unknown
City of Cleveland, Steamer #168 on the ways, 1907

City of Cleveland, Steamer #168 on the ways, 1907. Creator: Unknown
City of Cleveland, Steamer #168 on the ways, 1907

U.S.S. Oregon in dry dock, Brooklyn Navy Yard, 1898 Aug-Oct. Creator: Edward H Hart
U.S.S. Oregon in dry dock, Brooklyn Navy Yard, 1898 Aug-Oct

Floating dry dock, Algiers, Louisiana, ca 1903. Creator: Unknown
Floating dry dock, Algiers, Louisiana, ca 1903

Floating dry dock, Pensacola, Fla. between 1900 and 1910. Creator: Unknown
Floating dry dock, Pensacola, Fla. between 1900 and 1910

Str. John Craig in dry dock, Detroit, between 1900 and 1905. Creator: B. F. Mills
Str. John Craig in dry dock, Detroit, between 1900 and 1905. "John Craig of Fairport" on boat

Complete battery of boilers for Str. Seeandbee, six single- ended, three double-ended, 1912 Nov 23. Creator: William H
Complete battery of boilers for Str. Seeandbee, six single- ended, three double-ended, 1912 Nov 23

Str. Seeandbee just after the launch, 1912 Nov 9. Creator: William H. Jackson
Str. Seeandbee just after the launch, 1912 Nov 9

Launching party, Str. Seeandbee, 1912 Nov 9. Creator: William H. Jackson
Launching party, Str. Seeandbee, 1912 Nov 9

Str. Seeandbee, the christening, 1912 Nov 9. Creator: William H. Jackson
Str. Seeandbee, the christening, 1912 Nov 9

Str. Seeandbee on the ways, broadside, 1912 Nov 8. Creator: William H. Jackson
Str. Seeandbee on the ways, broadside, 1912 Nov 8

Brooklyn Navy Yard, dock no. 4 gate, c.between 1910 and 1920. Creator: Unknown
Brooklyn Navy Yard, dock no. 4 gate, c.between 1910 and 1920

Brooklyn Navy Yard, dry dock no. 4, c.between 1910 and 1920. Creator: Unknown
Brooklyn Navy Yard, dry dock no. 4, c.between 1910 and 1920

Str. William E. Corey, stern view on the ways, South Chicago, Ill. 1905. Creator: Unknown
Str. William E. Corey, stern view on the ways, South Chicago, Ill. 1905

Valkyrie III in Erie Basin, 1895 Aug 24. Creator: Johns Johnston
Valkyrie III in Erie Basin, 1895 Aug 24. Unsuccessful British challenger of the ninth America's Cup race in 1895 against American yacht Defender

Mayflower, 1886. Creator: Johns Johnston
Mayflower, 1886. Victorious US defender of the sixth America's Cup in 1886 against Scottish challenger Galatea. Designed by Ned Burgess, built entirely of wood by George Lawley & Son

Mayflower, 1886. Creator: Johns Johnston
Mayflower, 1886. Victorious US defender of the sixth America's Cup in 1886 against Scottish challenger Galatea. Designed by Ned Burgess, built entirely of wood by George Lawley & Son

Galatea, 1886. Creator: Johns Johnston
Galatea, 1886

U.S.S. Massachusetts in dry dock, between 1896 and 1901. Creator: Unknown
U.S.S. Massachusetts in dry dock, between 1896 and 1901

U.S.S. Massachusetts in dry dock, between 1896 and 1901. Creator: Unknown
U.S.S. Massachusetts in dry dock, between 1896 and 1901

U.S.S. Massachusetts in dry dock, between 1896 and 1901. Creator: Unknown
U.S.S. Massachusetts in dry dock, between 1896 and 1901

U.S.S. Massachusetts in dry dock, between 1896 and 1901. Creator: Unknown
U.S.S. Massachusetts in dry dock, between 1896 and 1901

U.S.S. Iowa in dry dock, Brooklyn Navy Yard, between 1897 and 1901. Creator: Unknown
U.S.S. Iowa in dry dock, Brooklyn Navy Yard, between 1897 and 1901

U.S.S. Foote in dry dock, between 1897 and 1901. Creator: Unknown
U.S.S. Foote in dry dock, between 1897 and 1901

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The graving dock, a testament to maritime history and engineering prowess, has left its mark in various corners of the world. From Port Lyttelton in New Zealand to Dry Docks in Southampton, these structures have stood as gateways to repair and maintenance for countless vessels. In an engraving capturing the Entrance to the New Graving Dock at Port Lyttelton, one can almost feel the anticipation of ships awaiting their turn for rejuvenation. Similarly, James Abbott McNeill Whistler's depiction of Dry Docks in Southampton transports us back to 1887 when this bustling hub was at its prime. Moving across continents, we find ourselves gazing upon the New Graving-Dock at Meadowside in Partick, Glasgow. The intricacies of this engraving highlight Scotland's rich shipbuilding heritage and dedication to maintaining seafaring excellence. A black-and-white photograph takes us on a journey through time as we witness both Paarl Rock's majestic presence alongside vineyards that have weathered centuries. This juxtaposition reminds us that even nature requires care and attention. Engravings depicting significant events such as the Opening of Plymouth Great Western Docks or Sydney's Dry or Graving Dock showcase how these structures were celebrated milestones within their respective communities. They symbolize progress and prosperity while serving as vital lifelines for trade and transportation. Royalty also played a part in commemorating these achievements; lithographs capture moments like The Prince of Wales opening the New Graving Dock at Southampton or filling it with water. These images remind us that even those born into privilege recognized the importance of such facilities for economic growth. Further north along England's coast lies Jarrow on the Tyne River where another new graving dock was unveiled. An engraving immortalizes this event, showcasing local pride intertwined with industrial ambition. Not all they are created equal.