Lower screw-driven pumping station, Capelle aan de IJssel Possibly 1869
jacobusvangorkomjr
photography, gelatin-silver-print
landscape
archive photography
photography
historical photography
gelatin-silver-print
19th century
This photograph by Jacobus van Gorkom jr., taken in 1869, depicts a screw-driven pumping station in Capelle aan de IJssel. The industrial scene showcases the intricate workings of the pumping station, highlighting the technological advancements of the 19th century. Van Gorkom's precise capture of the machinery, including its gears, belts, and other components, provides a glimpse into the inner workings of this vital infrastructure. The photograph serves as a testament to the burgeoning industrialization of the Netherlands during this period.
Comments
These iron machines were marvels of modern technology in their day, and made it possible to drain and keep Holland’s polders dry. The machines are presented as showpieces in these government-commissioned photos. To drain the lakes east of Rotterdam, engineers dug a canal and a peripheral waterway to flush away the water. Then they extracted the water with pumps at Kralingen, Capelle and Nieuwerkerk.
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