Titanic artefact on display in Belfast

The most valuable piece of Titanic memorabilia has gone on display at the Titanic Belfast centre in Belfast.

The most valuable piece of Titanic memorabilia has gone on display at the Titanic Belfast centre in Belfast.

A 10-metre hand-drawn plan which was used during an inquiry into the sinking of the ship in April 1912, was donated display by the person who purchased it at auction for more than £200,000.

More than 1,500 people died when Titanic hit an iceberg off the coast of Newfoundland on April 15th, 1912

The plan, designed by White Star Line architects, was commissioned by the Board of Trade for the British inquiry and has been marked in chalk to indicate where investigators believed the iceberg struck the tragic White Star line.

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It had been estimated to fetch between £100,000 and £150,000 when it was put up for public auction in May but it was snapped up by an anonymous bidder at £220,000 - making it one of the most expensive pieces of Titanic memorabilia in the world.

Seán Madden, paper conservator at the Fine Art Studio in Lurgan, Co Armagh, prepared the plan ahead of the exhibition.

“The plan is 1m 41.5cm x 9m 20.5cm and has been a fascinating piece to work on. It is in remarkable condition for its age and a vital piece of the Titanic story. It is without doubt one of the most famous artefacts of Titanic. Historically, it is very important,” Mr Madden said.

Titanic Belfast CEO Tim Husbands said: “It is an overwhelming gesture by the owner of the British Titanic Inquiry Plan to display it at Titanic Belfast for visitors to view.

“The historical and cultural importance of the Inquiry Plan cannot be overestimated. We are very excited about its forthcoming arrival to Titanic Belfast.”