Sir Joseph Bazalgette Collection

Metropolitan Board of Works map of Bazalgette's plan for the Lines of Main Intercepting Sewers
GHL35390 Metropolitan Board of Works map of Bazalgette's plan for the Lines of Main Intercepting Sewers, constructed for the Improved Drainage of the Metropolis, (colour engraving)

Victoria Embankment, 1872. Creator: Gustave Doré
Victoria Embankment, 1872. Part of the Thames Embankment on the north bank of the River Thames, construction began in 1865 and was completed in 1870 under Joseph Bazalgette. From, " LONDON

Section of the Thames Embarkment, 1867, (c1876). Creator: Unknown
Section of the Thames Embarkment, 1867, (c1876). 19th-century civil engineering project primarily designed by Sir Joseph Bazalgette of a low level interceptor sewer

Sublimated Sewage Station: The Engine House at Abbey Mills, c1935. Creator: Unknown
Sublimated Sewage Station: The Engine House at Abbey Mills, c1935. Abbey Mills Pumping Station, in Stratford, East London, nicknamed the Cathedral of Sewage for its ornate design

Sir Joseph W Bazalgette, 1863. Portrait of the famous civil engineer Joseph Bazalgette who designed the London sewage system, completed in 1875, and the Thames Embankment

Victoria Embankment, showing Somerset House, London, 1887. The Victoria Embankment is part of the Thames Embankment, designed by Sir Joseph Bazalgette in the 1860s to accommodate a modern sewer

Victoria Embankment, showing Temple Gardens and St Pauls Cathedral, London, 1887. The Victoria Embankment is part of the Thames Embankment

One of the sphinxes, Victoria Embankment, London, 1924-1926. The Victoria Embankment on the north side of the Thames was designed by Joseph Bazalgette

Sir Joseph Bazalgette, CB, British civil engineer, 1877. Artist: Lock & Whitfield
Sir Joseph Bazalgette, CB, British civil engineer, 1877. Bazalgettes major achievements were in the field of public health engineering

Woolwich Free Ferry, London, 20th Century. The free ferry service across the Thames between Woolwich and Newham was instigated by Sir Joseph Bazalgette and began operating in 1889

Thames Embankment, London, 20th Century. The Embankment was designed by the civil engineer Joseph Bazalgette to accommodate his new sewer system and to provide a thoroughfare alongside the river

Joseph Bazalgette (1819-1891), English civil engineer, 1887. Bazalgettes major achievements were in the field of public health engineering

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

Sir Joseph Bazalgette was a British civil engineer who played a crucial role in transforming the city of London through his innovative sewer system. His visionary plan, depicted in the Metropolitan Board of Works map from 1865, showcased his determination to improve the drainage of the metropolis. The construction of the Lines of Main Intercepting Sewers brought about significant changes and improved living conditions for millions. One notable result of Bazalgette's work is the iconic Victoria Embankment, completed in 1872. Illustrated by Gustave Doré, this magnificent creation not only provided much-needed flood protection but also added beauty to London's landscape. Another section of Thames Embarkment from 1867 highlights how Bazalgette successfully managed to sublimate sewage with his innovative pumping station at Abbey Mills. In addition to being an exceptional engineer, Sir Joseph W Bazalgette was also recognized for his contributions as seen in a portrait from 1863 by an unknown artist and another one created by Lock & Whitfield in 1877. These depictions capture his dedication and commitment towards improving public health. The impact of Bazalgette's work extended beyond infrastructure projects; it shaped London's identity. The Victoria Embankment became synonymous with grandeur as it showcased landmarks like Somerset House and St Pauls Cathedral, as shown in images from 1887. Even today, remnants such as sphinxes on Victoria Embankment remind us of Sir Joseph's legacy that continues to inspire future generations. Woolwich Free Ferry and Thames Embankment are further testaments to his engineering prowess that have stood the test of time into the twentieth century. Joseph Bazalgette will forever be remembered as an English civil engineer whose vision transformed London into a modern city with efficient sanitation systems while leaving behind architectural marvels that continue to captivate our imagination even today.