Events

Hurley Lock and Mill 1890 and present day

Ever wondered how much the Thames and the riverside has changed over the years?

Here are modern digital photos of the River Thames alongside photos from the 19th century, which charts the transformation of the Thames over 135 years.

In a former exhibition at the River & Rowing Museum in Henley-on-Thames, you could compare the finest photographs taken by famous Victorian Henry Taunt together with modern images taken of the exact location along the River Thames by photographers Graham Diprose and Jeff Robins.

Temple Island, Remenham (no date) and present day

But we have provided some of the images here for you to enjoy at your leisure.

Henry Taunt, born in 1842, produced a series of photographs, hand drawn maps and text in 1872 leading to a rise in the river's popularity. His photos depict an idyllic working river with ferryman, barges, horses and people.

The images begin at the source of the Thames near the small village of Coates, Gloucestershire down to the Houses of Parliament. The photos are shown in pairs to give the visitors the chance to view the changes along the river.

There are of course many images of Berkshire to be seen, charting how places such as Cliveden and Remenham have changed over the 135 years.

Henley Bridge 1885 and present day

The biggest change is the increase in trees and vegetation that during the Victorian age would have been cleared to enable horses to pull barges more easily.

The modern images were taken by Graham Diprose, lead Tutor in Photography at the London College of Communication and professional photographer Jeff Robins.