Ismay Testimonial Silver

The complete Ismay Testimonial Silver dinner service is on display together for the first time in the exhibition. Click on the thumbnails below to see larger images of some of the items from the service.

The elaborate parcel-gilt table service presented by the shareholders of the White Star Line to its founder and chairman, Thomas Henry Ismay, in 1885.

Ismay's son, Bruce, succeeded him as Chairman in 1908. He escaped from Titanic by climbing into one of the last lifeboats to be lowered, but only after helping many other passengers into boats. His reputation was badly damaged by his survival of Titanic, especially following his very harsh treatment in the US press. This is unfortunate in view of his many achievements before and after the disaster.

Accession number 1983.991.1