Trading Gallery

Vasco da Gama in India

Portuguese Colonial History Series - Vasco da Gama has an audience with The King of Calicut (Kozhikode), the Samudiri (Zamorin) in May 1498. The navigator was received with traditional hospitality, including a grand procession of at least 3, 000 armed Nairs, but an interview with the Zamorin failed to produce any concrete trade results. Date: 1498

© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection

Archangel, Russia - The Surkow & Shergold Timber Deal Yard

Arkhangelsk (Archangel), Russia - The Surkow & Shergold Timber Deal Yard. The Shergolds arrived in Russia from Britain in the late 18th century, going into partnership with the Surkow (Surkov) family in order to trade timber. The business continued right up to the communist era, when the business was nationalised. Date: 1904

The new double-screw steamship Far East. The launch took place at Cubitt Town, Millwall

The new double-screw steamship Far East. The launch took place at Cubitt Town, Millwall, in the presence of a large number of people. The launch of any first-class ship that may be destined to take part in the vast commercial enterprise between England and the most distant parts of the earth must always be attended with a considerable degree of interest. She is intended for the China tea trade, and is constructed of iron, and is the first vessel of her class to which the double or twin screw system has been applied. Date: 1863

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans