TORONTO, Oct. 28 /CNW/ - The sounding of the "Voice of Titanic" today launched TITANIC: The Exhibition's fundraising campaign in support of the United Way of Greater Toronto. A portion of the proceeds of the exhibit tickets purchased between today and December 19th will benefit United Way's 200 Social and Health Service agencies. United Way of Greater Toronto is in the midst of the 1999 campaign to raise $62.8 million. The intention was to sound the original ship's whistles. However, during the process of disassembling the whistles in preparation for today's event, world-renowned conservator Joseph Sembrat and Canadian-based marine engineer and steam whistle expert Alec Barbour discovered that the original whistles from Titanic were suffering from Bronze Disease, and that blowing them may jeopardize their very existence.
Because of the delicate state of the authentic Titanic whistles, the decision was made today to use an exact replica. Fortunately, due to multiple touring shows worldwide, replicas were built for display at exhibitions where the original would not be displayed. The actual sound of the replica is identical to the original Titanic whistle sounded in 1912. Bronze Disease is a chemical reaction that occurs when the sodium chloride from salt water and the bronze in the bells react to create a copper-chloride corrosion product. This corrosion product absorbs moisture and causes it to grow and eat away at the bronze. The whistles are powered by steam so therefore blowing them would add moisture to the insides of the bells and accelerate the deterioration process. Due to previous commitments, Mr. Sembrat was unable to arrive into Toronto until this past Tuesday, and the Bronze Disease was discovered during the disassembly process in preparation for today's event.
Throughout Wednesday and last night, efforts were made to determine the extensiveness of the deterioration and ways in which the original whistle could still be used. Alternative sources of energy to blow the whistle (i.e. Compressed Air) were explored but were deemed not feasible. "Although we are disappointed, it is imperative to preserve the ship's whistles for future generations," stated John Norman, Vice President of SFX Family Entertainment. "As with all articles recovered, our primary concern is to preserve the artifacts in perpetuity. The Titanic whistle experience, especially with the original whistle on-site, was essentially not altered. Today's event was about Titanic's partnership with United Way, as both United Way and the story of Titanic are focused on people helping people," added Norman. Event highlights included a special musical tribute to Titanic by Canadian star Michael Burgess, as well as speakers from the City and United Way. The original whistles will be on view following the October 28th event at
TITANIC: The Exhibition which is now open until February 10, 2000. The hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday to Wednesday and 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday to Saturday. Tickets, not including tax are $19.95 for adults; $14.95 for seniors and children 6-11 years (5 years and under are free with an adult). Tickets are available from Ticketmaster at 416-870-8000 or online at www.Ticketmaster.ca. For group information call 416-597-0965; discounts are available for groups of 15 or more. TITANIC: The Exhibition is presented by Investors Group and produced by SFX Entertainment, Inc. in conjunction with RMS Titanic, Inc.
