Looking more like a set from Frankenstein this is actually

the electrical heart of the MV Farringford. This is how the engines were controlled using the large wheel to allow more electrical power to the paddles that propel the vessel at the command of the bridge. The dials above would have shown the various ampages with the semi-circle of light illuminating to illustrate the power to paddles. Notice the row of huge breakers above the shoulder of the white boiler suited member of the crew watching over me as I take my photograph.