A glass photographic negative entitled 'Launch Of HMS Albion At Blackwall', taken by Edgar Tarry Adams in June 1898. The photograph was taken from the slipway immediately after the ship's launch at the Thames Iron Works, Blackwall, London.

A photograph entitled 'Launch Of HMS Albion At Blackwall', taken by Edgar Tarry Adams in June 1898.

The photograph was taken from the slipway immediately after the ship's launch at the Thames Iron Works, Blackwall, London. 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.