To coincide with the fleet of Clipper Yachts arriving into the city next week, the Tower Museum will celebrate by displaying a small number of items from the Museum and Archive Collection significant to the maritime history of the region.
This temporary exhibition at the Tower Museum will add interest to the current exhibitions which tell the Story of Derry and the Spanish Armada, items on display relating to our maritime history were selected from a variety of collections including artwork, architectural drawings, posters and maritime objects.
Mayor Cllr Brenda Stevenson welcoming the opening of the exhibition said:
“As Derry City Council plans to interpret the city’s significant maritime history at a site in Ebrington, dedicated Maritime Galleries will tell the maritime story of the city These collections now open to the public at the Tower Museum from the vast Archive Collection have been previously underused and partially inaccessible. I am delighted that these materials of historical significance can be enjoyed by the public, materials which are relating to almost all periods of the city and region’s maritime history such as the growth of the trade and shipbuilding, the development of emigration and the international conflict of the 20th Century.
Continuing Mayor Stevenson said:
“As the city prepares for its biggest Maritime Festival to date, this provides the perfect opportunity to learn more about the importance of the River Foyle, the significant part it has played in transforming our city through the ages, and how our city exists as it does today around this meandering lough. The rich heritage of our river will be celebrated in events along the Quay and for the Legenderry Maritime Festival and the River itself will become a focal point as we provide a welcome to the fleet of Clipper yachts as they come up the Foyle and to their most anticipated stopover.”
Bernadette Walsh, Archivist with Derry City Council said:
“We have worked on selecting a number of items, photographs, paintings and sketches ranging from 1800 to present day from the archive for public exhibition. The rich and varied collection illustrates the role the river played in the city and regions history. The selected pieces now in included in the temporary exhibition gallery in the Tower Museum help to accentuate the importance of the River, the role it has played and the varied archive and museum collection we have.”
‘Celebrating our Maritime Heritage’ will remain on display with additional objects added over the next few weeks until September. The Tower Museum is open Monday – Sunday from 10.00am – 5.30pm. For more information telephone: 028 7137 2411 Email: tower.reception@derrycity.gov.uk
