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A rare and interesting view of the trestle bridge over the River Irwell. The view shows the tenements backing onto the river, workmen digging on the quay and loaded barges plying up and down the river. The bridge was opened in 1820, intended to link Deansgate with Chapel Street. Although born in Scotland, John Ralston (1789-1833), soon migrated to Manchester, which was rapidly expanding and changing under the pressures of increasing industrialisation. As well as depicting the smarter buildings of Manchester, Ralston was also attracted to make drawings of inner city dereliction and slum dwellings. He was an accomplished violinist and helped found the orchestra of the Manchester Gentlemen's Concert. Unfortunately, he died in poverty, aged only forty four in 1833.