UK museums bid for treasures of the Titanic
BRITISH museums are trying to raise £15 million for the salvaged treasures of the Titanic, after the US firm that owns them filed for bankruptcy.
The bid is backed by Dr Robert Ballard, the oceanographer who discovered the wreck in 1985, and James Cameron, the Oscar-winning director of the 1997 film Titanic.
Royal Museums Greenwich, National Museums Northern Ireland, Titanic Belfast and the Titanic Foundation aim to raise enough money to buy 5,500 artefacts recovered from the seabed between 1987 and 2004, ranging from a 17-ton section of the hull and a bronze cherub that once adorned the grand staircase, to clothing, crockery, jewellery, documents and even a packet of cigarettes.
The company that salvaged and owns the items, Premier Exhibitions, has filed for bankruptcy in the
US, leading to fears that the collection will be split up and sold off to private collectors. Mr Cameron said: “The sinking of the Titanic was a heartbreaking moment in history. Securing the irreplaceable collection of artefacts – protecting and preserving them for future generations by placing them in public trust – is a unique and important opportunity to honour the 1,503 passengers and crew who died.”
The four museums are seeking private and public donations in order to reach their target, and have secured £380,000 from National Geographic.
A court in the US decides today on the British bid. If it is accepted, there will be a 60-day period in which to raise the required funds.
Dr Ballard said: “This bid is the only viable option to retain the integrity of the Titanic collection. The collection deserves to be returned home to where its journey began.”