New exhibition on transport opens at Newry and Mourne Museum

On 28^th May 2015, the Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Cllr. Naomi Bailie, opened a new temporary exhibition ‘The world has become smaller: transport through the ages in Newry and Mourne’.

The exhibition, which runs until 2^nd May 2016, explores the development of transport in the area from prehistoric times to the present day. A range of artefacts and documents examining aspects of road, rail, canal and maritime transport will be on display. These include models of local ships, a theodolite used for surveying the Newry Canal and a uniform belonging to Captain John McParland, a member of a local maritime family.

Speaking at the launch, Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Cllr. Naomi Bailie stated that; ‘The exhibition and accompanying booklet provide a unique insight into development of local transport. I would like to thank all those who loaned items to the exhibition or provided articles for the booklet. Community involvement is vital to the success of the Museum’s exhibitions, and it helps promote a sense of ownership and civic pride.’ 

Highlights of the exhibition include artefacts and images relating to Warrenpoint Railway on loan from Barrie Domleo. He and his brother Andrew photographed and filmed Warrenpoint Railway Station and line from 1961 until it closed in January 1965. Many of the images contain photographs of people who worked at the Station including George Walker, the last Signalman at Warrenpoint. His cap and pocket watch have been lent to the exhibition by his daughter Pauline Reardon. She and Barrie Domleo met up last year as part of BBC NI’s Walk the Line programme.

Talking about the exhibition, Newry and Mourne Museum Curator, Noreen Cunningham said; ‘We are fortunate that our Collection contains such a tremendous wealth of material relating to the area’s transport history, and this exhibition provides a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase these items. From bus tickets to barge lamps there is something for everyone in the exhibition.’