About the Portrait Bench
The Portrait Bench is a new and unique national
collection of local portraits. The figures are
inspired and chosen for their individual
contribution to the life of the community.
Creating portraits is an old custom - honouring
individuals for their philanthropy, political prowess
or acts of heroism, and most commonly for the love
of family members. All major public spaces are
graced by statues or portraits of eminent
individuals and family photos are treasured across
the world.
Each Portrait Bench is a collection of three
distinctive, life-size local figures cut from sheet
steel and installed by a simple bench, inviting you
to sit or step up into the space and become a part
of the portrait group.
The features of each character have been simplified
while retaining their essential characteristics. The
characters reflect those things that are important to
the community; each is inspired by the local
heritage, culture and aspirations of the area; some
we’ll know and some we won’t…together they will
represent around 230 characters chosen by
thousands of people from across the UK.
Choosing the Titanic Quarter portraits
The portraits were choosen to celebrate the life
of SS Nomadic, which was built in Belfast. The
portraits represent the ship-yard workers who
built her, the French sea-men who sailed her and
the passengers who travelled in her.
The portrait bench is sited looking at the newly
refurbished SS Nomadic in Titanic Quarter on
National Cycle Network Route 99.
New walking and cycling networks
Sustrans is bringing the award winning National
Cycle Network deep into the heart of communities
across the UK to enable many more people to get
about on foot and by bike. Find out more about
walking and cycling routes in Titanic Quarter and
how to find this portrait bench at
www.sustrans.org.uk/portraitbench
Sustrans is the charity that’s enabling people
to travel by foot, bike or public transport for
more of the journeys we make every day.
It’s time we all began making smarter travel
choices. Make your move and support
Sustrans today.
www.sustrans.org.uk
Sustrans is a Registered Charity in the UK No. 326550 (England and Wales) SCO39263 (Scotland)
Portrait Bench
Titanic Quarter
Charlie Chaplin
Charlie Chaplin is one of SS Nomadic’s most
famous passengers.
In 1952 SS Nomadic served the Queen Elizabeth for
a stopover in Cherbourg. This was in conjunction
with the release of Chaplin’s film, ‘Limelight’.
Journalists came from all over France to find out
more about the new film, and it’s writer, director and
actor, Chaplin.
Chaplin’s relationship with Ireland goes deeper. In
fact, he spent much of the 60s in Waterville, staying
at the Butler’s Arms. His presence in Waterville is
now celebrated there every year in August with the
‘Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival’.
A Shipyard Worker
SS Nomadic was built by Harland and Wolff’s
shipyard workers in Belfast in 1910, and was
launched in 1911.
When fully loaded, the Nomadic could carry up to
1,000 passengers. She was divided into first and
second class areas, with first class enjoying the
views from the front of the ship.
Nomadic was built to a luxurious standard to match
the liners that it was made to serve. Such luxuries
included cushioned seating, gender specific
bathrooms, water fountain features and a buffet
bar. First class passengers also enjoyed ornate
plastering and joinery.
A French Seaman
Nomadic was built to serve as a tender in
Cherbourg in France.
In 1911, Nomadic sailed to Cherbourg, lead by
Captain Boitard to serve the large ocean liners
of the day, such as the Olympic, who she served
throughout her career.
Nomadic was involved in World War I and II as she
was commanded by the French government and
the British government respectively. She worked to
transport troops around France and Britain.
At the end of World War II, Nomadic returned to
Cherbourg to continue her tendering duties, only
completing her service in 1968.