28/06/2023
There were actually two grand staircases constructed on the Titanic but it is the forward staircase immortalised in James Cameron’s film Titanic which has become the iconic symbol of the vessel. The staircase was for the use of the first class passengers and descended 5 decks from the first class entrance to the lower accommodation decks, lounges and dining room. It was constructed of polished oak and featured gilded balustrades and beautiful wrought iron railings.
The 60ft high, 16ft wide staircase featured a mix of architectural influences with the oak panelling being of English William and Mary style and the ironwork reminiscent of the French Louis XIV period. There was a clock at the top of the staircase representing “Honour and glory crowning time” and the whole construction was lit by a huge glass dome overhead which allowed natural light to flood in. At the foot of the Grand Staircase there was a statue of a cherub which was later rescued from the wreck and now resides in a private collection.
Sadly the opulent Titanic resided on the ocean floor for 73 years before its discovery in 1985. The ship was found to have split in half with the stern having almost completely disintegrated. The forward portion of the vessel was surprisingly intact but the Giant Staircase had completely disappeared. No one will ever know its fate as it could have become detached from the structure and floated away to be destroyed or it could have simply been eaten away. All that remains is a large hole which is now used to access the lower decks by exploratory submarine vehicles.
