The English Speaking Union
cordially invites you to a talk by
Robert Hulse
Brunel - The Man who Changed the World
Monday, April 13, 2015,
The English-Speaking Union
144 East 39th Street, New York City
Talk begins promptly at 6:30 PM
The Victorians' favorite word for machines and engineering was 'promethean' and the adjective suggests gigantic, world changing, world shocking design. Isambard Kingdom Brunel (1806-1859) was the quintessential promethean engineer who changed the world. His first project, London's Thames Tunnel, is the birthplace of urban transport. It was the eighth wonder of the world to the Victorians. His last project, the SS Great Eastern, changed trade and the shape of the world. People lined Manhattan fifty deep to see the first modern ocean liner come up the river in 1860. Robert Hulse will examine Brunel as visionary engineer, showman and world changer. Of Isambard Brunel, BBC broadcaster Jeremy Clarkson explained, 'Brunel built Britain, and Britain built the world, which means Brunel built the world'.
Robert Hulse, MA, is Director of London's Brunel Museum, housed in Brunel's original Thames Tunnel engine house and winner of The Queen's Award in 2010. He is co-author of The Brunels' Tunnel, with a foreword by Michael Palin. Mr. Hulse has worked in education and museums for 20 years. He has taught at London University and City University; lectured at Chiba University, Tokyo; the Royal Institution of Great Britain and Tel Aviv University. Hulse worked with the Greater London Authority to organize the first public walks through the Thames Tunnel in 145 years. He is now working with Brunel Museum Trustees on a new project to build a visitor center in Brunel's Grand Entrance Hall.
For information, contact Ed Mohylowski at newyork@esuus.org or 212/818-1200, ext. 218.
ESU National Patrons are invited to enjoy a private Champagne Reception with Robert Hulse in the Executive Director's office at 6 pm, prior to his talk.
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