A major new exhibition giving an unparalleled insight into life on-board the Titanic is coming to Middlesbrough.
The passenger liner sank in the North Atlantic Ocean after striking an iceberg as it sailed from Southampton to New York, a story which became one of the most infamous news events of all time and fascinated generations.
Now, artefacts from the Titanic that have never been displayed in the UK before are coming to Middlesbrough’s Dorman Museum.
The captivating exhibition tells the story of the Titanic and those who travelled on it - with items from the ship, stories from survivors and remarkable footage of the wreckage.
Tom Rudderham, founder of the Titanic Exhibition, said: “We’re delighted to work with the Dorman Museum to bring the Titanic exhibition to Middlesbrough.
“The story of the Titanic disaster still resonates with those from all ages and walks of life, and while it was a terrible tragedy, it has led to important maritime safety laws that have saved countless lives since.
“The exhibition tells the full story of the Titanic from its design and construction to life onboard, to the wreck site at the bottom of the North Atlantic.
“The objects and stories are brought to life with large images, audio, and video in an exciting and vivid way."
Artefacts include a fragment of deckchair which has never been seen in public previously and was held by the Home Office until now.
The other surviving pieces of the deckchair are owned by James Cameron – the director of the blockbuster 1997 film Titanic.
Other artefacts from the movie include a life jacket, a Heart of the Ocean necklace, Captain Smith’s teacup and saucer, plus moulding from the grand staircase set.
Donations also include items from the last surviving woman who had been on-board the Titanic, Millvina Dean, who was only nine-weeks-old when the ship sank in April 1912.
She was on board with her parents and brother planning to emigrate to Kansas where her father hoped to open a tobacconist shop.
Millvina, her mother and brother were all rescued and returned to England aboard the Adriatic – and her survival was quite a spectacle to other passengers, many of whom queued to hold her and took photographs of her.
JR Bowes, Middlesbrough Museums Manager, said: “We’re very proud to bring this exhibition to the Dorman Museum, and we can’t wait to welcome visitors from far and wide.
“Many of the one-of-a-kind artefacts have never been seen in public before – and for Middlesbrough to host the exhibition is a wonderful chance for local people to learn more about the Titanic and its history.
“I’m sure anyone who comes along will be captivated.”
While the Titanic exhibition is in Middlesbrough, people with a personal connection to the ship are being invited to share their stories.
As part of ‘Teesside’s Titanic’, Middlesbrough Council would love to share their experiences or artefacts – simply drop us a line on: marketing@middlesbrough.gov.uk.
