Pictures capture the past

WATERFORD’S rich maritime and river heritage is captured in a joint exhibition of photographs and memorabilia which opened last night, just yards away from where the magnificent tall ships are berthing.

The Waterford Museum of Treasures exhibitions feature the Enchanted Coastline series of works by photographer Terry Murphy. Alongside the striking photographic exhibition are objects which capture the essence of the city’s life as a port and one-time base for no less than six shipyards.

“We’re delighted to host this exhibition to tie in with the Tall Ships Race,” says Eamonn McEneaney, a spokesman for the museum. “There are various themes to the exhibition, such as the river as a playground, a place of work and a place of dying and accidents. We are very thankful to all of the people who have loaned us their treasures for the exhibition. Waterford has had a great ship-building tradition, particularly throughout the 19th Century when White’s were building the finest and largest wooden boats in the country.