Baltic Exchange Memorial Glass

These evocative stained glass panels commemorate the members of the Baltic Exchange – an international maritime commerce organisation – who were killed during the First World War. 

Featuring classical figures and designs, the piece celebrates the individuals who died in war, as well as ideals of civic life including truth and justice.

It was designed by artist John Dudley Forsyth and was originally part of a larger installation on display in the organisation’s London headquarters, unveiled in 1922. However fifty years later, in 1992, a terrorist bomb exploded outside the Baltic Exchange. Three people were killed, 91 others were injured and many of the stained glass panels were destroyed or badly damaged. 

After more than 10 years of restoration, the installation was presented to the National Maritime Museum in 2005.

The memorial glass is on the first floor of the Museum, located next to the Sea Things gallery.

The half-dome

The half-dome is one of the most striking elements of the memorial. 

At the centre of the piece, the winged figure of Victory steps from a boat as the dove of peace flies above. Classical figures wearing brightly coloured garments watch the action, framed by pillars. 

The two outer windows list the major battles of the First World War, including Ypres and Passchendaele. The glass dome was originally made of 240 panels, but only 45 remained intact following the blast.