Saudi Arabia | 15 photographs of the oil industry, c.1950

SAUDI ARABIA--SAUDI ARAMCO

Fifteen photographs of the construction of the Trans-Arabian Pipeline, c.1950

15 silver prints (90 x 142mm, or the reverse), each preserved in a sleeve

Construction of the Trans-Arabian oil pipeline (Tapline) began in 1947 and extended from Qaisumah in Saudi Arabia to Sidon in Lebanon. The Tapline helped the economic development of Lebanon, as well as American and Middle Eastern political relations.

The photographs document road construction, an Aramco aeroplane, brick making and building work at a pump station, water-well drilling, pipe welding, a cargo convoy, and views of Ras El Misha'ab.