RMS Mauretania was the largest ship in the world when she was launched from the Wallsend yard of Swan Hunter and Wigham Richardson in 1906. She made full use of Parsons’ turbine technology first demonstrated in Turbinia.
Mauretania was built to reclaim the Blue Riband for the fastest Atlantic crossing for Britain. She held the record for an eastbound voyage for 22 years and westbound for 20. On most crossings she sustained an average speed of over 25 knots.
The model was built by the shipyard at the same time as the full size ship and represents the pinnacle of North East shipbuilding and engineering.
By Swan Hunter and Wigham Richardson (1907)
On display at Discovery Museum, first floor Tyneside Challenge Gallery, Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums
http://www.discoverymuseum.org.uk
