The story of Wirral’s shipbuilding and maritime heritage will be celebrated in a series of exhibitions and cultural events.
Part of the Wirral announces massive events programme for 2019 programme, it will explore how Wirral-built ships have travelled the globe and reflect how shipbuilding changed the area.
The Made of Iron series will share the stories of the ships and those whose lives were shaped by life in the shipyard.
It will start later this month, as Wirral takes its place on the world stage as the birthplace of one of the most advanced polar research vessels in the world – the RRS Sir David Attenborough .
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Currently being built at Cammell Laird in Birkenhead , the ship features state-of-the-art facilities allowing researchers to make new discoveries about our planet.
Lucy Barrow, assistant director for culture and visitor economy at Wirral Council, said: "The role of shipbuilding in Wirral - past, present and future - is a fascinating story which we wanted to bring to the forefront in our Borough of Culture year.
"Our programme this year is all about discovery, exploration and the great outdoors, and Made of Iron really ties all those elements together.
"As well as looking back, the programme will also look at what is happening right now in the borough and the future of shipbuilding."
The Made of Iron programme will get underway on Saturday with the opening of the Six Vessels exhibition at the Williamson Art Gallery & Museum , charting the stories behind six Wirral-built ships.
Tony Graham, Cammell Laird's chief operating officer, said: "The Wirral is the womb of over a thousand iron ships. Building iron ships brought life to the economy, helped people make a living and made lives more meaningful.
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"Cammell Laird is proud to be associated with the Six Vessels exhibition which tells an important story. A story that demonstrates that the Wirral people have iron in their genes."
The Made of Iron programme revealed so far includes:
Six Vessels
This free exhibition looks at six significant Wirral-built ships and their role in maritime history, with rarely seen artefacts on display alongside popular artwork from the Williamson’s collection and newly commissioned work by Ian Fennelly.
The ships include the HMS Birkenhead, Ma Robert, CSS Alabama, HMT Leasowe Castle, HMS Ark Royal and the RMS Mauretania.
The free exhibition runs until Sunday, September 22.
Wirral announces massive events programme for 2019
A Community Made of Iron
A digital archive of stories, photographs and artefacts is being developed to capture the social history and experiences of workers, families and communities linked to Wirral’s shipbuilding and maritime heritage.
Anyone who would like to participate or nominate a friend or relative can contact cultureteam@wirral.gov.uk to register their interest.
Down Our Street
This musical play by Wirral writer Brian McCann, will be staged at the Floral Pavilion from Thursday August 29 to Sunday, September 1.
The show celebrates life in the Cammell Laird shipyard from the industrial revolution to the present day with drama, comedy and song.
Close Enough to Touch
Later this year, Liverpool's Royal Court Theatre will present Close Enough to Touch. The play is a dramatic retelling of the tragic story of the HMS Thetis which sank in 1939 with the loss of 99 lives and will be performed at the historic Birkenhead Priory, which sits next to the shipyard.
More events and exhibitions linked to Made of Iron will be announced later in the year.
