About the Titanic quilt, by Pat McCoy
The Quilt
The quilt was made by the members of the Liverpool Welsh Choral. One hundred and twenty seven plus singers returned an embroidered square and the completed size is 85 inches by 45 inches (216 x 114 cm). The main panes in the quilt were designed and made by Pat McCoy, a second Alto in the choir.
The Top Section
The Liverpool Welsh Choral logo is depicted in the top section of the quilt. It was hand embroidered by Soprano Pat Mitchell who is a City and Guilds embroiderer. It comprises of the Liverpool liver bird, a treble clef and the Welsh dragon. In the four corner squares she has sewn in the names of the international cities where the choir has been invited to sing which are New York, Edinburgh, Dublin and Cologne.
The Middle Section
The top square, surrounded by deep red, depicts one of the logos of the White Star Shipping Line. The panel below this has a royal blue surround. Within this can be observed the following:
The House Flag of the White Star Line
Titanic was the pride of the company and as such she flew this flag from the top of her mainmast.
The Blue Ensign
As a civilian British ship, the Titanic was entitled to wear the Red ensign. However, because Captain Smith and at least twelve of Titanic’s crew were in the Royal Naval Reserve (RSR) the Admiralty gave permission for Titanic to fly the Blue Ensign.
The Royal Mail Pendant
This was displayed from Titanic’s foreyard or foremast. Titanic had the privileged title RMS (Royal Mail Ship) and had the special docking priorities that this title carried. There was no airmail in 1912.
Stars and Stripes
This would be flown as Titanic set sail as she left Queenstown heading for New York. There are only 46 stars because there were only 46 states in America in 1912.
The Tri colour of France
As Titanic left Southampton on her maiden voyage and headed for Cherbourg she woul dhave flown this. However, as she left and set out for Queenstown (Cork) there would not have been an Irish Tri colour because at that time, Southern Ireland was British territory.
To the left of this blue panel can be seen printed photographs of the Titanic Band. On the right simple outlines of typical passengers have been sewn including a coal heaver working in the ship’s bowels.
Further down this panel a replica of an envelope which contained a First Class ticket has been carefully embroidered by Mary Finch an ex choir member. The owner of the ticket was unable to use it because his wife took ill the day before embarkation.
Below this the Titanic’s route can be seen.
If you look carefully in this section you might find the Titanic’s bell which was actually made in St Helens. Can you spot the Merchant Navy badges and epaulettes?
The Bottom Section
The large panel speaks for itself. The actual shape of the ship was made by sewing fabric over small paper sections of the vessel then reassembling them before attaching them to the background using applique. The cabin windows are actually small beads. Fitting all the small squares around the main panels was challenging, but it is hoped that the Choir’s response to the making of this quilt shows the dedication and enthusiasm which each member contributes to the Choir’s continuing success as one of the UK’s leading choirs.
The Liverpool Welsh Choral also presented the production ‘Tribute to Titanic ‘ in Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral. It was to commemorate the centenary of the tragedy in 2012.
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