Photograph album showing aftermath of Silvertown Explosion 19th January 1917

Hard-bound photograph album containing black and white images of the damage caused by the explosion at the Brunner Mond Factory, Silvertown, on the 19th January 1917.

At a meeting of Port of London Authority Dock & Warehouse Committee on 23 January 1917, it was noted that damage was caused to the Authority's property "both by concussion and by fire, the latter being due to the projection of hot metal and burning debris over the surrounding area." Sheds 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 19, 21 and "A" at Royal Victoria Dock were destroyed and the silo granary and transit silos were damaged. Six PLA staff were killed or died of injuries and 44 were injured; four other people were killed inside the dock area and 15 injured.

The PLA Chief Engineer was tasked with obtaining photographs of the damage which were to be laid on the table at a meeting of the PLA Board on the 22 March 1917.