1888 - A photograph of vessels moored at the iron ore wharf just downstream from the coal tips and the doomed Victoria Wharf. A note at the rear of the photograph correctly states that the wharf later became an oil wharf. At this date, however, this wharf served the import of iron ore for consumption of the 'Dowlais-by-the-Sea' iron and steel works at East Moors, Cardiff. Interestingly, three large oil storage tanks may be seen at the right of the image although the first cargo of bulk petroleum from Batoum did not arrive until the 20th August 1890 ; i.e. two years after this photograph was taken. [036]

The photograph was taken by Margaret R. Collings of 47, Bute Street Cardiff. It has been converted to sepia tint and adjusted for use on this website. The original albumen print is held at the National Museum of Wales. [629] [Museum item number : 72.104I/14] [20180311]

August 1888 - s.s. 'Castle Eden' 350 feet, Net Tonnage 1,555 at Victoria Wharf, South Wales Public Wharf, Warehouse and Transit company, Limited, Cardiff. August 1888. Notice the members of crew working up in the rigging of the foremast whilst three wharfside hydraulic cranes serve the vessel. She is clearly pumping her water ballast which indicates that she is most probably being loaded with, rather than unloading, cargo. An alternative explanation, if she is in fact unloading her cargo, could be that a master of such a large vessel would be wise to reduce her draught to an absolute minimum, especially on a falling tide and in a river where many vessels over the years have broken their backs!

The photograph was taken by Margaret R. Collings of 47, Bute Street Cardiff. Mr. Joseph Collings, with premises at the same address, was responsible in the 1860's for the wonderful photographic record of the construction of the Penarth Dock - see Volume One, Chapter Three. Joseph married a lady named Margaret McIntosh but also had a younger daughter named Margaret, so it is not clear which Margaret was listed within the 1880 Slater's Commercial Directory of Cardiff and District. [160]

It has been converted to sepia tint and adjusted for use on this website. The original albumen print is held at the National Museum of Wales. [629] [Museum item number : 72.104I/18] [20180311]