A new exhibition featuring hundreds of authentic artefacts from the Titanic has opened at Olympia London, offering visitors a rare chance to see genuine items from the ill-fated ship. Organised by White Star Heritage, the exhibition is the largest of its kind ever staged in the UK and runs until August 16.
Genuine artefacts on display
The exhibition includes one of only a handful of surviving Titanic deckchairs, pulled from the floating wreckage by the cable ship Minia after the disaster. Also on display is what is believed to be the largest surviving section of the ship's Aft Grand Staircase, the only surviving piece of teak decking recovered from the wreck site, and the only intact wooden door from the ship's galley.
Personal items from passengers and crew are showcased, including a letter written by the assistant to White Star Line chairman J. Bruce Ismay during the voyage, a postcard from a passenger describing the ship's swimming pool as a "big bath", and an original weighing ticket from the Turkish Bath.
Daily talks by diver Dik Barton
The exhibition features daily talks by Dik Barton, the first British man to dive to the Titanic wreck. Barton has made 22 expeditions to the site and provides first-hand accounts of exploring the wreck. His talks run at 10am and 1pm each day. Visitors can upgrade to an 'Expert Pass' to attend, either at booking or later via the "Manage my booking" link in the confirmation email.
Tom Rudderham, Director of White Star Heritage, said: "Every object in this exhibition has survived against extraordinary odds. These are not reproductions — they are genuine pieces of history that connect visitors directly with the people who built, sailed and travelled aboard Titanic."
Ticket information
Entry numbers are limited and availability is becoming restricted, so visitors are advised to book early. Tickets can be purchased at www.titanic.london. The exhibition is open at Olympia London until August 16.
