385. TRISTRAM ELLIS (1844-1922). THE FORTH BRIDGE, EDINBURGH.

Signed and dated 1881, watercolour and pencil heightenmed with white
59 x 120.5cm.

Provenance: By descent in the family of Sir John Fowler (1817-1898), Chief Designer and Engineer of the Bridge.

The date may seem to be incorrect as the bridge was only completed in 1890. However, this drawing was commissioned by Fowler and it was drawn from plans before the construction was commenced. This ambitious watercolour shows the bridge as a creation in shiny steel (it was the first major structure in the United Kingdom to be constructed in steel) whereas, of course, it was eventually painted in a red oxide colour (now known as `Forth Bridge Red`). The 45 acres of metalwork require half a million litres of paint.