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RMS Titanic
Quick facts...
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| Owners: |
White Star Line |
| Builders: |
Harland & Wolff
Belfast |
| Launched: |
31 May 1911 |
| Tonnage: |
46,328 tons gross |
| Dimensions: |
883 x 92 feet
(271.6 x 28.3 metres) |
| Machinery: |
Steam, reciprocating and turbine;
triple screw,
22 knots
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| Complement: |
905 First Class
564 Second Class
1134 Third Class
900 Crew |
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Second in the trio of superliners planned to eclipse their competition on
the lucrative north Atlantic route, Titanic was launched from Harland &
Wolff's Belfast shipyard on 31st May 1911. Timed to coincide with her sister
ship Olympic's departure from the yard, White Star achieved the desired
publicity with around 100,000 witnessing the grand occasion. Designed for
luxury rather than speed, Titanic was undoubtedly one of the most elegant
liners built during the 'golden era' of sea travel.
Her brief builder's trials took place on 2nd April 1912, with tugs arriving
around 6am to ease Titanic out to a point in Belfast Lough where the massive
liner could proceed for the first time under her own power. She then
underwent rigorous tests within the enclosed waters of the Lough until, in
the early afternoon, she proceeded into the open Irish Sea for running
trials. Steaming south for two hours brought her within view of the Mourne
Mountains and St John's Point lighthouse, County Down. Here Titanic carried
out a broad 180-degree turn before heading back to Belfast to receive her
Board of Trade passenger certificate, '... good for one year from today,
2-4-1912', and handing over to her owners. Around 8pm, the liner left for
Southampton and, in darkness, bade farewell to the coastline she would never
see again.
In his research for this painting, Gordon Bauwens consulted the ship's
builders, The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, The Belfast Port Registry
and the lighthouse keeper at St John's Point, to ensure the accuracy of his
portrayal of the event. He believes this to be the only picture showing
Titanic during her brief acceptance trials on the north Irish Sea.
The artist painted this view for fellow ship-lovers to appreciate how she
would have appeared on her proud day of celebration.
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