An account of the Thames Tunnel

Printed broadside announcing an exhibition of 32 paintings by I.B Henken taking place in the Thames Tunnel during the summer of 1843. The broadside notes that the exhibition in the panels of the Shafts will be viewable by the public 'at no extra cost than the penny entry' to the Tunnel, referred to as 'the cheapest exhibition in the world.....open day and night'. The broadside reassures potential visitors that 'the tunnel is perfectly dry and well ventilated' and also refers to a visit by Queen Victoria & Prince Albert to the Tunnel on July 26th 1843. The broadside also includes an engraved illustration of the twin tunnels together with a detailed description of its construction.

During its 18 year construction the tunnel was promoted as one of London's greatest visitor attractions. For a small fee visitors could descend into the tunnel via a staircase to view the progress of the works, purchase souvenirs from stalls and view temporary exhibitions. Visitor interest was sustained through the issuing of such promotional broadsides, flyers and advertising material. Income from visitors was vital to sustain the project over its 18 year construction period.