Sea, Ships & Seafaring
/Collections/Transport/UFTM_Sea-ships-seafaring-star-of-russia-2-L-865-4)
The importance of the sea and seaways in shaping human history and culture is widely recognised. As island people, our history, traditions and heritage have a significant maritime dimension. The sea has always been an important resource and a great water highway connecting Ireland to the wider world.
The sea is an unpredictable and alien environment possessing great beauty and destructive power. It is a mighty force of nature, constantly testing the endurance and spirit of seafarers. Over the centuries the voyaging ship, in all its technological diversity, has become much more than a practical vessel of commerce and naval warfare. It is an enduring cultural symbol, deeply rooted in human consciousness, and an emblematic carrier of all kinds of meanings.
Photographic caption:
Crew of the iron clipper ship Star of Russia on the mainyard furling the mainsail. This specially posed photograph was taken on a voyage to Calcutta in 1882. It illustrates how seamen worked aloft handling heavy canvas sails in fair weather and foul. Star of Russia was built by Harland & Wolff in 1875 for the famous Star Line of James P Corry & Company, Belfast.
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