Bulkhead Collection

Str. John Craig showing temporary bulk-head, between 1900 and 1905. Creator: Unknown
Str. John Craig showing temporary bulk-head, between 1900 and 1905

New York City, Manhattan, Hudson River Park Trust, Tribeca, Pier 26, Tide Deck

Union Castle Line, RMS Pretoria Castle - instruments
Union Castle Line, RMS Pretoria Castle, later SA Oranje - rare collection of brass engine room instruments together with the ship's bulkhead clock, fixed to an oak shield-shaped panel. 32 inches

Inquiry into the Loss of the Titanic: Cross sections of the ship (engraving) (b / w photo)
STC168914 Inquiry into the Loss of the Titanic: Cross sections of the ship (engraving) (b/w photo) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Nelson has the coffin presented to him by Captain Hallowell placed against the bulkhead of his cabin (colour litho)
2796961 Nelson has the coffin presented to him by Captain Hallowell placed against the bulkhead of his cabin (colour litho) by McCormick

Inquiry in the Loss of the Titanic: Cross sections of the ship (engraving) (b / w photo)
STC168915 Inquiry in the Loss of the Titanic: Cross sections of the ship (engraving) (b/w photo) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Bulkhead to retain compressed air in Rotherhithe Tunnel, London, October 1906
Bulkhead to retain compressed air in the Rotherhithe Tunnel, London, October 1906. Viewed from the inside with workmen standing by hatches

Suggested design for warship by G. H. Davis
The capital ship of tomorrow? A suggested design for a combined battleship-cum-aircraft-carrier. It would weigh 45, 000 tons, with the latest primary and secondary armament

Section of a First Rate Ship of War. C017 / 3432
Plate from 18th century encyclopedia showing a stem to stern section of a first rate ship of the line. A ship of the line was a type of naval warship constructed from the 17th through to the mid-19th

US, WA, Bainbridge Island. Fletcher Bay is a natural inlet on the west side of Bainbridge. Land spit provides protection from conditions in the sound

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The bulkhead, a term often associated with ships and tunnels, has played a crucial role in various historical events and engineering marvels. From the majestic Union Castle Line vessels like RMS Pretoria Castle to warship designs proposed by G. H. Davis, the bulkhead's significance cannot be overlooked. During the inquiry into the tragic loss of the Titanic, cross sections of the ship were meticulously examined, showcasing how these partitions served as vital compartments within its structure. Engravings and black-and-white photographs captured this detailed analysis that aimed to understand what went wrong on that fateful night. In another intriguing depiction, Captain Hallowell presented Nelson with a coffin placed against his cabin's bulkhead. This colorful lithograph symbolized both honor and grief in naval history. Beyond maritime applications, bulkheads also found their place in land-based projects. One such example was seen in London's Rotherhithe Tunnel where compressed air needed to be retained for construction purposes. The images from October 1906 showcased how these barriers ensured safety during tunneling operations. The Harland & Wolff Collection at National Museums NI further highlights the importance of bulkheads in shipbuilding. These artifacts provide insights into their design and implementation across different vessels throughout history. Even beyond Earth's boundaries, space shuttles relied on robust bulkheads to maintain structural integrity during missions. Whether it was launching satellites or conducting scientific experiments, these spacecraft exemplified how essential these partitions are even in outer space exploration. From safeguarding lives at sea to enabling groundbreaking engineering feats on land and beyond our planet's atmosphere, the versatile nature of bulkheads continues to shape our world today.