In November 1857, Howlett received a commission from the Illustrated Times to document the construction of the 'Leviathan', later rechristened the 'Great Eastern'; nine engravings after the photos were published on 16 January 1858. As there was no dock or slip large enough to handle her, the 'Great Eastern' had been built sideways along the Thames in John Scott Russell's boatyard at Millwall. Howlett's images were taken at the critical juncture when gigantic chains had been brought in to help with the ship's launch.