Picture tribute to Belfast builders
Harland & Wolff and Workman, Clark, by Richard P de Kerbrech and David L Williams
Harland and Wolff in Belfast was once one of the UK's pre-eminent shipyards, noted particularly for the construction of the Titanic.
Looking back at the yard's 'golden age' – and that of the lesser-known Workman, Clark – this new book starts with the tough working conditions the shipbuilders faced. We are then guided through more technical aspects, from the scotch boilers to the steam and diesel engine.
Among the plethora of images, one that stands out shows workers hand riveting on the hull of a ship – with a note that three million rivets were used on the hull of the Titanic, and only a third of these were done with a hydraulic riveter.
Sometimes the images can seem a little repetitive, but overall, this is a valuable archive of a hugely important part of Belfast's industrial history.
Harland & Wolff and Workman, Clark: A Golden Age of Shipbuilding in Old Images
By Richard P de Kerbrech and David L Williams
History Press, £20.00
ISBN: 978 07509 97348
Buy this book in the Nautilus Bookshop
While you're there, why not browse the rest of the titles in our unique maritime bookshop, which sells all the books reviewed on these pages.
Buy nowMore Books
The history beneath our hulls
Shipwrecks of the Solent by Richard M JonesThis slim volume of maritime history is a fascinating book to have by your side when you're crossing the busy Solent sea area.
Bicentenary books about a beloved body
One Crew, by Helen Doe, and 200 Years of Lifesaving at Sea, by MirrorpixThe RNLI celebrated its 200th anniversary on 4 March this year. To mark the occasion, two attractive new books have been published: an official history and a 'life in pictures'.
Powerful academic appraisal of life at sea
Sea-Time: an ethnographic adventure, by Helen SampsonFew people have done more than Professor Helen Sampson to raise awareness and understanding of the lives of the world's seafarers.
Health reminder for maritime men
Sailing Through Life, by Nick ArdleyThis book is a helpful reminder to those working in the male-dominated seafaring industry that going for a checkup could save your life.