View of the London and Croydon Railway

This view, according to the lithograph's full title, is 'from the deep cutting made through the hills at New Cross, looking towards Greenwich Railway'. It shows the impact of the new railways on the natural environment: the railway track and deep verges divide the landscape and a steam train can be seen travelling towards London.

The London and Croydon Railway opened in 1839, during the period known as 'railway mania' when multiple railways were constructed all across the country. This route joined the Greenwich line at Corbett's Lane junction and both railways terminated at London Bridge. In order to prevent collisions, the world's first 'signalbox' was constructed at Corbett's Lane in the late 1830s.

Edward Duncan lived and worked in London. During his career, he engraved and lithographed a range of subjects, from marine and sporting subjects to topographical views. In the 1840s, Duncan gave up engraving to pursue his watercolour painting.