Elder Dempster Lines was one of the UK’s largest shipping companies. As part of the Homeward Bound project, we’ve spoken to a number of Elder Dempster’s former employees and passengers, recording their ‘real’ stories and experiences. You can listen to their Elder Dempster stories here.
As a Printer for Elder Dempster Lines, Graham Austin sometimes worked 18-hours a day and was responsible for printing the menus, programme of events and stationery for the ship’s various departments. Listen to Graham's interview.
a list of online resources relating to James Joyce's 'Chamber Music' , first published in London in 1907
The Homeward Bound: A Liverpool-West Africa Heritage Project documents the lives and memories of Elder Dempster’s seafaring and office staff. As part of the project, we recorded 25 oral testimonies.
Barry Groombridge joined Elder Dempster Lines aged 16. Barry’s first voyage was from London to the United States, via West Africa. The voyage lasted nine months. Listen to Barry’s interview to hear about the Christmas he spent with nuns in Madeira and what life was like as a purser at Elder Dempster Lines.
Harry Madden was a Junior Engineer for Elder Dempster Lines. Listen to Harry Madden's interview.
Alan Wigelsworth began working for Elder Dempster Lines aged 15. Alan joined the company as office boy. Listen to Alan's interview.
Barry Fowler joined King Edward the Seventh Nautical College, London in May 1952. Barry spent four years as an apprentice and eventually rose to the position of captain at Elder Dempster Lines.
Derek Bailey joined Elder Dempster Lines in 1957. In his interview, Derek recalls what it was like living on a ship with a wife and children at home. Derek also speaks about Elder Dempster Lines’ latter years.
Explore the post-war arts, photography and fashion LJMU Special Collections including Art in Liverpool, Femorabilia, the Arthur Dooley archive, Liddell Hart collection of costume, the Keith Hackett archive, the Keith Medley archive, Liverpool Biennial, Visionfest, and The way it is Jane Hughes.