A glass photographic negative entitled 'HMS 'Albion' Just Before Launching', taken by Edgar Tarry Adams in June 1898.

A photograph entitled 'HMS 'Albion' Just Before Launching', taken by Edgar Tarry Adams in June 1898.

Adams had visited the Thames Ironworks at Blackwall, London, to photograph the launch of the ship with his new hand-held camera. Tragedy struck however, when the ship left the slipway and entered the water, causing a massive wave which engulfed nearby spectators, drowning thirty-four people.

Adams' father had encouraged his interest in boats from childhood. He regularly documented the construction and launching of ships.