My Titanic Panel – Gareth O’Cathain

On Friday, February 28th, Gareth O’Cathain came to Bangor and North Down Camera Club to share insights about his photography, focusing on a project known as the "Titanic Panel." Which he submitted and achieved his ARPS.(ARPS is a distinction that can be used after a person's name to indicate they are an Associate of the Royal Photographic Society (RPS))

Gareth, an architect and talented photographer with BPIC Camera Club, is known for his ability to capture the essence of architecture through the lens of his camera.   

In 2015, he undertook a significant commissioned project for the Titanic Foundation Ltd, photographing the historic Titanic drawing rooms in Belfast, over 100 rooms in total. These rooms hold a special place in history due to their connection with the Titanic.   

The goal of the project was to document the rooms' architectural beauty and detailed design before they were converted into a hotel, and these photos were crucial for the foundation's European Heritage grant application.

Gareth's photography brought out the craftmanship by focusing on the ornate woodwork, furnishings, and the ambiance of the rooms. Despite the peeling paint and fallen plaster, the images captured the rooms' former vibrancy with ornate moldings, high ceilings and large windows letting in as much natural daylight as possible. Gareth used wide-angle shots to convey the spaciousness and close-ups to showcase the artistic details and unique features. Gareth's photography was all about preserving history being careful not to disturb anything and it was photographed exactly as it was left when it was last occupied.  On his website, there is a section dedicated to the Harland and Wolff drawing offices, which is well worth exploring. Gareth’s photography can be found at https://www.gocphotography.com/ 

After the hotel was renovated, Gareth's photos were used to make a large montage. This display shows what the hotel looked like before the renovations and highlights how many original features, like the intricate staircase, were preserved. Positioned behind the reception area, this 8x4 foot montage honours the Titanic's memory and educates visitors about its historical importance to Belfast. 

This project goes beyond just taking pictures, it captures an essential part of Belfast's maritime history. By preserving these images, it allows future generations to appreciate the Titanic's connection to Belfast. As the drawing rooms were converted into a hotel, his work ensured the memories and stories within those walls remained alive. This project underscores the vital role of documenting history for heritage preservation, making Gareth's contributions essential to keeping Belfast's maritime history vibrant. 

Bangor and North Down camera club would like to thank Gareth for his insightful talk and for sharing his stunning images with us. We appreciated the opportunity to see these remarkable spaces through your lens. Gareth is also the lead architect for the New Childrens Hospital at RVH in Belfast so we wish him every success with that.  

On Friday 7th March we have our own annual in-house panels competition at the club

Leanne Simpson

Information officer

BNDCC