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In 2024 the National Maritime Museum introduced a new 'Object in Focus' programme featuring a rotating display of items handpicked from our collection.
This programme was suggested by members of our Visitor and Sales team to create a new and exciting display for the Museum and allow them to select items with incredible stories to share with visitors.
To celebrate the displays, at least one of our free Gallery Favourite talks each day is related to one of the objects. These talks are presented by some of our passionate and knowledgeable Visitor and Sales Assistants, and the subjects covered depend on the staff delivering the talks.
Come and see the objects for yourself in the Voyagers Gallery of the National Maritime Museum, and explore our talks and tours programme.
Items currently on display
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A presentation cup awarded to James Fitzjames in 1835
This enchanting presentation cup was awarded to James Fitzjames – best known as the captain of HMS Erebus during Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated expedition to find the Northwest Passage in 1845 – as a token of gratitude for an act of heroism.
In February 1835 Fitzjames saved the life of James Dickinson, who had fallen into the River Mersey near Liverpool. Fitzjames was on board the ship George Canning when customs officer Dickinson, who was helping to load supplies from a steamer, slipped into the river. Without hesitation Fitzjames jumped fully clothed into the fast-moving and freezing cold Mersey. He managed to keep Dickinson's head above the water until they were picked up by a small boat a considerable distance downriver.
If you want to find out more about the tale behind this object and about Fitzjames’ career before the cup moves back into storage in April 2025, then plan a visit to see both the cup and some of the highlights of the Museum.
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A whistle used during the tragic sinking of the Titanic in April 1912
This remarkable object allows our team of Visitor and Sales Assistants to retell stories from the Titanic disaster that cover not only the tale of the sinking itself, but also stories of some of the passengers, crew, and even pets on board at the time of the disaster.
The opportunity to see such a poignant object is not to be missed, so we recommend a visit to the Museum before the object moves back into storage.
Plan your visit to the National Maritime Museum
