att.: the Secretary
Hello - I have done a lot of research into the ship's telegraphs and the founding family behind the development of this revolutionary device. Today the telegraphs are collectors items; furthermore, they are exhibited in more than 50 maritime museums worldwide, incl. the Albert Dock complex.
It was the inventor William Chadburn (28 Feb. 1844 - 3 Apl. 1927) who was the dynamic force in the business. Due to public demand for info I set up a website in 2003, and have written and contributed articles over the last 12 years.
I have discussed with staff at the museum the need for better recognition of this invention; now largely forgotten. In fact 'Chadburn' has become a generic term for telegraphs regardless of make! If you care to log on to www.ChadburnTelegraphs.com you will be able to gain better understanding what the trade-mark means especially in shipping circles. The Society's web site also incorporates other local instrument makers, such as: A Robinson of Bootle, and J.W. Ray & Co. - the latter firm still exists in Knowsley. Most of the famous liners and cargo vessels built from 1870 onwards had manoeuvering equipment supplied by Chadburn, and its later fellow/competing manufacturers. Their monopoly position was only broken in the 1930s.
We would like to honour the pioneering efforts of the Chadburn organisation with a memorial preferably to be located in or near the city centre, and wonder if you can offer advice how to proceed with such a project?
With best regards
Dick Midhage York, 30 No. 2009. (tel. 01904 637712.)
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