The History of Brunel`s Statue

Royal Mint Engineers new £2 coins to celebrate the work of British Legend Brunel

Today the Royal Mint launches two new £2 coins to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of one of Britain’s most famous engineers, Isambard Kingdom Brunel. One reflects the character of Brunel and the other celebrates his many achievements.

Born in Portsmouth on 9th April 1806, but educated in France, Brunel showed exceptional talent at an early age which led to his appointment as Chief Engineer to build the Thames Tunnel. He subsequently became Chief Engineer for the Great Western Railway and eventually turned to shipbuilding. His legacy is still with us in structures such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge over the Avon Gorge, the Box Tunnel near Bath, Paddington Station and the Great Western Railway itself.

Both coin designs represent Brunel’s dedication and achievements. Artist Rod Kelly who designed ‘The Man’ Brunel £2 coin explains, “I used early black and white photographs to develop an image of Brunel. To accompany this I was struck by the beauty of the Royal Albert Bridge and Brunel’s amazing achievements in the progression of the then modern railway.” The second design entitled ‘His Achievement’ by engraver Robert Evans depicts Paddington Station and illustrates the impact that Brunel’s structures have had on the British landscape. The obverse of both coins features the portrait of the Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley, FRBS, which has appeared on United Kingdom coins since 1998.

Alan Wallace, Director of Collector Coin, says: “The Royal Mint is delighted to be producing two coins that mark such a significant British figure. Even by modern standards, Brunel’s engineering is exceptional and we hope that the coins will be enjoyed by collectors, historians and the general public alike.”

The coins are available now in a Brilliant Uncirculated two-coin presentation folder priced £9.95. Gold and Silver Proof versions of The Man coin are available now, priced £365 and £29.95 respectively. His Achievement coin will be available in July 2006. Both coin designs will be released into general circulation from 3rd April 2006. For further information or to order your collector coin please contact the Royal Mint Coin Club on 0845 60 88 300 or visit the website at www.royalmint.com.

Brunel £2 Keyring

£14.95

Brass-coated keyring with a mechanical design inspired by Brunel’s feats of engineering. Contains the new 2006 Brilliant Uncirculated Brunel £2 coin.

Length: 14cm

Brunel £2 Pocket Watch

£39.00

A perfect gift for any gentleman, this commemorative pocket-watch displays this year’s £2 coin celebrating the engineering genius, Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Struck to Brilliant Uncirculated quality, the bi-colour coin decorates the outer lid and is held by a solid brass surround.

• · Exclusive to Royal Mint Classics
• · Comes in handsome gift box.

• Diameter: 4.5cm
  Chain length: 12in/30cm

Brunel Bear with £2 Coin

£149.00

This limited edition of 250 is handmade in the Ironbridge World Heritage site. The soft mohair Merrythought teddy carries a Brilliant Uncirculated Brunel £2 coin.

Height: 16in/40.5cm
This is not a toy. For ornamental purposes only.

Brunel Bridges Ceramic Tankard

£39.00

Two of Brunel’s most famous structures appear on this fine bone china tankard: the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Royal Albert Bridge. Gilded in 24 carat gold and produced in Stoke-on-Trent. Limited edition of 1,806.

Height: 10.5cm
Diameter: 9cm

Brunel Cufflinks

£199.00

The Clifton Suspension Bridge, one of Brunel’s landmark projects, is captured in glorious 9 carat gold and rich blue enamel on these handsome cufflinks.

Weight: 9g
Length: 16mm
Width: 16mm

Brunel Halcyon Days Box With £2 Coin

£125.00

Isambard Kingdom Brunel, arguably Britain’s greatest engineer, is indeed worthy of celebration. In splendid tribute, this hand-enamelled box from Halcyon Days displays the famous portrait of Brunel set against the Clifton Suspension Bridge and also features the great chain links of the Great Western.

• · Comes in a lovely gift box displaying all four Royal Warrants held by Halcyon Days
• · The Brunel £2 coin, in Brilliant Uncirculated quality is presented in a velvet pouch inside the box.
• · Only 500 Brunel Enamel Boxes have been authorised

• Diameter: 57mm

Brunel Ship and Bridges Tankard Set

£70.00

Brunel Ships Tankard

Brunel’s impressive steamships, the SS Great Britain and the SS Great Eastern, adorn this fine bone china tankard produced in Stoke-on-Trent. Limited to an edition of 1,806.

Height: 10.5cm
Diameter: 9cm

Brunel Bridges Tankard

Two of Brunel’s most famous structures appear on this fine bone china tankard: the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Royal Albert Bridge. Gilded in 24 carat gold and produced in Stoke-on-Trent. Limited edition of 1,806.

Height: 10.5cm
Diameter: 9cm

Brunel Ingot

£199.00

The Clifton Suspension Bridge, one of Brunel’s landmark projects, is captured in glorious 9 carat gold and rich blue enamel on this handsome Ingot.

Weight: 12g
Length: 35mm
Width: 13mm
Chain length: 18in/46cm

Brunel Thimble Collection

£129.00

Six sterling silver thimbles celebrating Brunel’s most famous achievements, including Paddington Station, Clifton Suspension Bridge, Royal Albert Bridge, SS Great Eastern, SS Great Britain, and one commemorating Brunel himself.

Diameter: 2cm
Weight: 6.4g (each)