An exhibition detailing local radio ham Artie Moore receiving the Titanic’s SOS call has been inundated with visitors.
Currently being held at the Winding House Museum in New Tredegar, the exhibition has already received nearly 1,000 visitors in its first ten days.
‘The Titanic, the Mill and the Signal: Artie Moore and Titanic’s SOS’ explores the fascinating story of Artie Moore, from Gelligroes Mill, near Pontllanfraith, who received Titanic’s SOS signal, on the night of April 15, 1912 on his homemade wireless radio equipment.
The exhibition also highlights some other local links to the famous ship and the story of the tragic sinking itself.
Helen Willson, the council’s Museums and Heritage Officer, said: “We are absolutely thrilled by the overwhelming response we’ve had to the exhibition since its opening on Good Friday.
“We’ve been delighted to welcome lots of people who have never visited the Winding House before, while many of our regular visitors have told us the exhibition is our best one yet! We’re especially pleased that newspapers around the world have, quite rightly, recognised how fascinating Artie Moore’s story is.”
The Winding House has been further boosted by a recent new loan to the exhibition as Blackwood and District Amateur Radio Society has loaned Artie’s spark gap transmitter for the exhibition. This is the only surviving piece of his radio equipment and will be a significant addition to the displays.
The transmitter was also on view at Gelligroes Mill on Saturday April 14, at an event honouring the connection between the Mill and the catastrophe that took place over 3,000 miles away in the Atlantic Ocean.
Ms Willson added: “For those who haven’t yet had the chance to visit the exhibition, or who missed the opportunity to see a rare piece of Artie’s equipment, there’s plenty of opportunity as The Titanic, the Mill and the Signal will be on display for the rest of the year.”
The Winding House is open between Tuesdays and Sundays, between 10am and 5pm and admission is free.
For more information call 01443 822 666 or visit www.windinghouse.co.uk