Titanic Collaboration with the Maritime Museum

Falmouth University staff and students have assisted in the creation of two replica lifeboats for the Maritime Museum's new exhibition, Titanic Stories.

The Falmouth School of Art, School of Architecture, Design & Interiors and the School of Communication Design collaborated in manufacturing the wooden hull, metal hooks for the oars and digital files of the lifeboats Tholepins and Lifeboat 13.

Andy Harbert, Technical & Facilities Manager at the School of Art, said, "First year students were involved in the process as an introduction to making in Cornwall. Working with the Maritime Museum on a project like this demonstrates the range of practical skills that exist here in Cornwall, and between the University and our local partners."

Students on Sustainable Product Design and Architecture volunteered to work on various aspects of the replica, from casting metal pins to steaming wood for the hull.

First year Sustainable Product Design student Louis Heatlie, who worked on Lifeboat 13's hull explained, "We visited the museum first to discuss the construction of boats and get more information regarding that avenue. I personally got speaking to the boat maker and volunteered to work on the hull. 

"A lot of prior research was done on the boats of that era, how they were constructed and then developed a plan to work off. We could then begin work on the boats properly."

"This project taught me an older way of working with materials, such as the steam bending and hand construction of a boat, which we probably would not have time to learn within the frame of our course. It's really interesting to learn an older craft before heading into the modern industry."

Titanic Stories explores the real-life stories of the Titanic's historic sinking in 1912, as well as uncovering the truth behind the myths and controversies that still surround the tragic event.

Historical objects and personal belongings of the Titanic passengers are on display, such as photographs, letters and a handkerchief waved from a lifeboat. You can find out more about the exhibition by visiting the museum's website.