The Titanic Stories exhibition has now ended.

Our major exhibition TITANIC STORIES examines the stories of the Titanic’s momentous sinking on 15 April 1912, re-appraising many of the myths, controversies and assumptions that still linger around one of the most well-known historic events of the 20th century.

Working in collaboration with private collectors from overseas and national museums in the UK, TITANIC STORIES presents rare and never-seen-before objects, as well as retelling the personal stories of many of the survivors, victims and descendants of the Titanic disaster, including those from Cornwall.

One of the most globally talked about events in history

Focusing on the remarkably rapid commercialisation of the disaster, the exhibition also offers an in-depth exploration of the tragic event’s quick rise in status to one of the most globally talked about and commodified events in history, from how the news initially broke and was reported by international media (a subject of early ‘fake news’ stories), to the first souvenir postcards produced days after the sinking, the books written and film adaptations made within weeks, and the commemorative music and memorials, as well as more contemporary ephemera and artefacts following the wreck’s discovery in September 1985.

Objects on display

Alongside documentary and personal photographs, letters, newspaper cuttings, compelling items such as a First-Class passenger list found in the pocket of a victim, are on display.

Exploring cinema adaptations

International cinema adaptations of the Titanic story are explored, from a Nazi propaganda film, to the award-winning A Night to Remember, each represented in the exhibition by their original film posters, production stills and more. Iconic items from James Cameron’s 1997 blockbuster will also feature, including one of Kate Winslet’s celebrated costumes and other props and pieces from the epic production.

Large scale installation pieces

In addition to the many historic objects, the Museum commissioned two large-scale new installation pieces, including an exact, life-size replica of Lifeboat 13, made by specialist boat builders in our workshop as well as a visually-stunning representation of the iceberg suspended over the lifeboat by Cornwall based Dan Arnold. The sculpture is formed from 2208 monkey’s fist knots, created in partnership with members of the local community, each representing a survivor or victim of the tragedy.

Contemporary Voices

The exhibition also contextualises the Titanic’s sailing as a migration story, full of passengers leaving their homes to start a new life. It will take this theme and explore resonances with current migration stories, including a small commissioned series of photographic portraits, telling the stories of immigrants, who have journeyed to Cornwall across seas, to begin a new life.

Find out more about Titanic Stories: Contemporary Voices

Image credit: 

(c) Claes-Göran Wetterholm

Exhibition partners:

Titanic Stories has been created with the support of:

Arts Council England
Garfield Weston Foundation
Coral Samuel Charitable Trust