A Titanic Challenge in Belfast

If I was to mention the words "Northern Ireland" what is the first thing that comes to mind????.....The Troubles. You thought that, right??? No, I'm not psychic. It's a common answer among many across the globe and from within the UK itself. Yes part of this countries history was marred by terrorism on a terrifying scale. Over the years i, like many others have been told horror stories about the acts of violence that occurred across this beautiful country and quite frankly I'm glad I was born towards the end of the 1970's. But prior to the fighting and segregation Northern Ireland was booming. The Industrial revolution had been in full flow in the 1800's and Northern Ireland was saturated with textile factories and heavy industry.
But the year 1861 was possibly going to be this countries finest year. The pro dominant shipyard Harland & Wolff was founded at the mouth of Belfast Lough and was to become the most iconic symbol of our time. The Shipyards Landmark Cranes "Samson & Goliath" can be seen from across the city of Belfast and have become one of todays major tourist attractions. However, they are not the biggest attraction in Belfast. That belongs to the Legend that is "Titanic". Built and completed in 1912 at Harland & Wolff shipyard she was later to become the most recognised ship in maritime history due to its ill fated maiden voyage. Over 1500 people lost their lives aboard the ship when it struck an iceberg in the icy waters of the Atlantic ocean. Over the years Northern Ireland as a whole has embraced the history of Titanic. You would be correct in thinking "why would anyone embrace a tragedy?" but what you have to understand is that because the ship was built in Belfast she was ours. At the height of the shipyard industry there were nearly 15000 workers at Harland and Wolff so losing the biggest passenger carrying ship of its time was a catastrophic blow for many in Northern Ireland and across the UK.
With changes through the decades came regeneration in Belfast. An upbeat economy had changed the skyline of this once grey city and many of the old industrial linen factory's became apartments as the housing market boomed. This also had an effect at the shipping docks in Belfast and to mark the strong background and history of the area it was renamed the Titanic Quarter. New buildings have been constructed, living accommodation, The Odyssey Arena, Banking Sector Offices and a Hotel have all rejuvenated the surrounding wasteland but none more so than the New Titanic Building. It stands proud on the docks of Belfast and is a true memorial to the legacy of Titanic. Its design is quite extraordinary as it's based on the shape of the ships bow.
I was slightly taken back recently when I learnt via a social networking site that a large number of today's youth from around the globe actually thought the blockbuster film Titanic was indeed just that....a film. To read their comments and find that they were shocked to find out that it was based on a historical event made me realise just how important the likes of the the Titanic building really is. If you want to experience the true story behind Titanic then you must come to Belfast as the city has been engulfed by its history. The Pumping Station/Dock, Drawing Rooms and the last surviving White Star Line vessel the SS Nomadic are still visitor attractions to this day. It really is worth a trip. My challenge was to shoot some images recently to show you what to expect if you were to ever visit Belfast.

The Titanic Building at Belfast Docks.

Part of the grounds surrounding the building.

The Iconic landmark "Samson" can be seen for miles.

The Pump House. The Titanic's "Dry Dock" is to the rear of the building.

The Bow of the last remaining White Star Line ship the SS Nomadic.

Showing progress in the Titanic Qtr. Apartments to the right, SS Nomadic front centre, Titanic Building to the left, Brown building is the old headquarters of Harland & Wolff and in the distance with the funnels on the roof is the old paint halls which is now used as a film set(Titanic Studios). The movie "My Highness" produced by Tom Hanks's film company and the tv series "Game of Thrones" have both been shot in this extremely large building.

Clocking out at the shipyard in 1910. The Titanic can be seen in the background during its construction. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

This photo is a personal favourite of mine firstly because its black & white and secondly because it has captured the very essence of that period in history. This has become one of the most iconic photographs connected to Harland & Wolff. It just looks like someone has hung out an office window and taken a quick shot and the resulting image has lasted 100 years. Brilliant!!!

A nice panoramic view of the Titanic Quarter(scoll to the right to view fully).