TITANIC AND LIVERPOOL
New 2012 exhibition to mark centenary of sinking
The only known surviving Titanic First Class ticket and other rarely-seen items linked to the disaster will be displayed in Liverpool in 2012 to mark the 100th anniversary of the sinking.
The ticket belonged to Reverend Stuart Holden. His wife became ill the day before the Titanic sailed, forcing him to cancel his voyage. Mr Holden had the ticket mounted and kept it above his desk until his death in 1934. A compelling new exhibition explores little-known links between Titanic and Liverpool, the city that inspired the biggest ship in the world doomed to be most notorious shipwreck in history.
The exhibition opens at Merseyside Maritime Museum in March 2012 in time for the 100th anniversary of the sinking on 15 April 1912 when more than 1,500 people lost their lives.
It explores Liverpool’s central role in the Titanic story. Told from perspectives of key personalities in the drama, it gives a unique insight into events surrounding the launch, voyage, the sinking and its aftermath. This is an incredible story told from a Liverpool angle.
The year-long show draws on previously unseen collections of international significance including material from the museum’s extensive archives. It complements Merseyside Maritime Museum’s existing display, the hugely-popular Titanic, Lusitania and the Forgotten Empress.
Dr Alan Scarth, exhibition curator and author of Titanic and Liverpool (Liverpool University Press), says: “Titanic was built as a result of Liverpool’s leading position as a major world port. The city and its people are at the heart of the story. “Not only was the Titanic’s sinking a major world event, the tragedy was a bitter blow to the port and the people of Liverpool. The new exhibition lifts the lid on this largely-overlooked turmoil in the wake of the sinking which resounds to this day.”
Visitors in the new gallery will experience dark atmospheric spaces forming the backdrop to a series of dramatically-lit areas, each telling a part of the powerful story.
As well as the First Class ticket, exhibits include the Ismay Testimonial Silver- a stunning parcel-gilt dinner service presented to White Star founder Thomas Ismay, father of J Bruce Ismay. This is the first time the majority of the table service has been on public display.
Merseyside Maritime Museum already has a permanent Titanic exhibition. Titanic, Lusitania and the Forgotten Empress opened in 2007 and features the original 20 ft long builder’s model of Titanic, personal things belonging to those on board, a lifejacket, lifeboat items and many other exhibits.
More information at
http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/maritime/collections/liners/titanic/liverpool.aspx