Pamphlet of the deceased band members, published by the Amalgated Musicians Union in 1912.
While Robinson remained at home in England, Hartley set sail on theTitanicas the ship’s bandmaster.
A decorative silver plaque affixed to the instrument read: For Wallace, on the occasion of our engagement.
Pamphlet of the deceased band members, published by the Amalgated Musicians Union in 1912. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
April 14, 1912 has been remembered as the date of one of history’s most famous catastrophes.
Famously, despited all this, the band played on.
Others speculated it may have been a similar tune called Autumn.
The great promenade deck of the RMS Titanic. (Photo:Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division)
As the deck tilted and a distress flair launched, the band continued to play.
All eight members died as the ship sank.
Only three bodies were eventually recovered.
The Wallace Hartley Memorial in Colne. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Hartley’s body was pulled from the water 10 days after theTitanicsank.
Strapped to the bandleader, the rescuers found a leather valise with the initials W.H.H.
Inside was his violin case and treasured instrument, as well as somemusical scores.
The RMS Titanic Musicians' Memorial in Southampton. (Photo: Marek.69 viaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 3.0)
For decades, the violin was lost to public knowledge.
It was discovered that in July 1912, a grieved Robinson included a telegram receipt in her diary.
Robinson died in 1939.
Either before or after her death, the violin was given to the local Salvation Army.
From there, the violin and its origin story were relayed to a violin teacher.
The reappearance of such an important artifact ofTitanichistory was monumental, but the violin had to first be authenticated.
The great promenade deck of the RMS Titanic.
The violin’s incredible significance to theTitanics history and miasma of mythology made for high expectations.
WhileotherTitanicartifactshave fetched large prices at auction, the violin set a new record.
The relic sold for approximately $1.6 million to an anonymous buyer.
Before its sale, it was also exhibited to the public in Belfast and other locations.
The Wallace Hartley Memorial in Colne.
The band leader was quickly immortalized at home in Colne, Lancashire.
His funeral in May 1912 was attended by thousands.
A monument with a bust was erected in the town.
All the musicians received a monument in dedication at Southhampton.
It reads, They died at their posts like men.
The RMS Titanic Musicians' Memorial in Southampton.
