Replica ‘Clock In Boards’, handcrafted by long serving Harland and Wolff ex-employee, Mr Emerson, are to go on show at Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience.
The ‘Clock In Boards’, or ‘bourds’, as they were known in East Belfast, were collected by the 15,000 shipyard workers when they arrived at work at 8:00am. The boards were retuned at 5:30pm, in an act commonly referred to as ‘launching yer bourd’ – when they were literally hurled through the open office window, of what is now known as Titanic House, in a rush to leave.
Mr Emerson, who started work in the shipyard as a boy helper heating rivets at the age of 15, reproduced the ‘Clock In Boards’, including one with his own number, 123, specifically for Titanic Belfast.
With over 22 years of experience in the Harland and Wolff shipyard, Mr Emerson was very familiar with the clock in system. To recreate them, the inventive and ever-resourceful Mr Emerson turned to the internet for guidance.
The set will be used by Titanic Belfast Crew in the Shipyard gallery to keep the unique story alive for generations to come. It will also be used for one of Titanic Belfast’s Learning Workshops, My Granda’s Piece Tin, which looks at life for young apprentices at Harland and Wolff during the 1940 to 1970 era.
Mr Emerson, commented, “I took my grandchildren to Titanic Belfast and they were thrilled to see what I did! They loved the galleries about Belfast, specifically the Shipyard ride. I was very proud to share it with them! Now, I’m delighted that I will not only be sharing but adding to other people’s experience at Titanic Belfast! Everyone knows about the impeccably high standards of Harland and Wolff from our workmanship to time keeping. Our industrial heritage and Belfast’s shipbuilding standards is something I’m very proud of and I’m really pleased to add to Titanic Belfast’s award-winning galleries!”
Siobhan McCartney, Titanic Belfast’s Learning & Outreach Manager , said “Mr Emerson and his memories, along with other previous Harland & Wolff Shipyard workers have played a key role in developing our Learning Offering, particularly our ‘Granda’s Piece Tin’ workshop. We are really pleased that he kindly offered to make us ‘Clocking In Boards’. There is no doubt the boards will help bring the story of the ship to life; from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, as well as the City and people which made her, for many generations!”
Titanic Belfast was recently included in Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travelist of 500 of the world’s most striking locations, featuring everything from imposing temples to hidden gems, after only three years in operation and was named the ninth best rated museum in the UK Travellers’ Choice™ awards, announced by TripAdvisor. For more information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.
ENDS
About Titanic Belfast
Titanic Belfast is an iconic six-floor building featuring nine interpretive and interactive galleries that explore the sights, sounds, smells and stories of Titanic, as well as the City and people which made her. It is the World’s Largest Titanic exhibition.
The building houses temporary exhibits, a banqueting suite, education and community facilities, catering and retail space, and a basement car park. Visitors learn about the construction of RMS Titanic and the wide and rich story of Northern Ireland’s industrial and maritime heritage.
Supported by the Northern Ireland Executive, Titanic Belfast is a unique public/private partnership funded by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Belfast City Council, Belfast Harbour and Titanic Quarter Ltd. It is operated by Titanic Belfast Ltd and owned by the Titanic Foundation Ltd.
Useful links:
• Titanic Belfast: www.titanicbelfast.com
• The Explorers Club: http://www.explorers.org
• Belfast City Council: http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events/Event-36148.aspx
• Visit Belfast: http://visit-belfast.com/
• Titanic Quarter: http://www.titanic-quarter.com/news-events
• Northern Ireland Tourist Board: http://www.nitb.com/
• Titanic Foundation Limited: http://www.titanic-foundation.org/
For information on Titanic Belfast please contact: Sarah Hamilton-Cardy, PR and Communications Executive, Titanic Belfast
Tel: +4428 9076 6380 / E: sarahhamiltoncardy@titanicbelfast.com
W: www.titanicbelfast.com