Model of the Blue Star Line T.S. 'Arandora Star'
- Made:
- 1927-1929 in Birkenhead, Merseyside, Wirral, Mersey and United Kingdom
Whole model, scale 1:48, of the Blue Star Line twin-screw turbine steamer 'Arandora Star' (launched in 1927), probably by Cammel Laird and Co Ltd, Birkenhead, England, 1927-1946
Builders', whole model of TS 'Arandora Star', 1927. Scale 1:48. Originally built by Cammell Laird and Co for the Blue Star Line's London-River Plate Service, this model has been modified to show the ship after her conversion to a cruise liner.
The 1920s and 1930s were a time of glamorous travel by luxury ocean liner. Speed was important, but comfort, fine dining and leisure activities were expected too. The lifestyle was attractive for those who could afford it and throughout the 1930s Arandora Star was one of Blue Star Line’s most popular cruising liners. Its facilities included a ballroom, garden lounge, gymnasium and tiled swimming pool.
This model was displayed in Blue Star Line’s London showrooms in Regent Street, close to Pall Mall’s exclusive clubs. There, it enticed new customers as well as reminding its many loyal passengers of the liner’s attractions.
After the outbreak of war in 1939, Arandora Star was altered to become a troop transporter and supported the evacuation of Allied soldiers. In July 1940, the ship set off for Canada, carrying civilian internees, German prisoners of war, troops guarding them and crew. The internees were being deported to Canadian internment camps. In the early morning of 2nd July, 75 miles off the coast of Ireland, the Arandora Star was torpedoed and sunk by a German U-boat. It is estimated that more than 800 lives were lost in the tragedy, around half of the total number on board. The controversy surrounding the sinking led to the end of civilian deportation and helped to change British policy on internment.
Details
- Category:
- Water Transport
- Object Number:
- 1946-238
- Materials:
- complete, wood (unidentified), brass (copper, zinc alloy), aluminium (metal), paint, glass, fabric, plaster, metal (unknown), copper (metal) and sponge
- Measurements:
-
overall: 1120 mm x 3500 mm x 500 mm,
- type:
- merchant vessel, steam turbines, steamship and ocean liners
- credit:
- Blue Star Line Limited