William James Pirrie was born in Quebec, Canada on May 31st, 1847. He was the only son of James Alexander Pirrie and his wife Eliza (neé Montgomery). Pirrie's family lived at Conlig, County Down.
Following an education at the Royal Belfast Academical Institution, in 1862, he entered the firm of Harland and Wolff. So meteoric was his rise that by 1874 he had been made a partner. He would remain with the firm all his life. Pirrie nurtured a close and lucrative working relationship with first Thomas Henry Ismay and later his son, Joseph Bruce Ismay who led the White Star Line. Pirrie became the main director of the famous Harland and Wolff wharff that was the sole constructor for White Star Line, building its ships to the highest specifications on what was termed a "cost-plus" basis. Pirrie led the Harland and Wolff company with an 'iron fist', like a tyrant.
Pirrie was instrumental in the formation of the International Mercantile Marine under John Pierpont Morgan which consolidated maritime transport in the North Atlantic with obvious benefits to his firm.
He was Lord Mayor of Belfast from 1896 to 1897 and was made Baron Pirrie of Belfast in 1906 (Viscount Pirrie in 1921 when George V visited Belfast).
On May 31, 1911, Pirrie oversaw the launch of the Titanic, and beforehand he inspected everything thoroughly. He was very strict, but in a very good mood. At 12:14 P.M, he gave the nod and the 25.000 of solid steel was released into the river.
In early 1912, Pirrie disappeared out of the picture entirely. The reason was that he got seriously ill and needed to undergo a prostate surgery in March. He cancelled his scheduled presence on Titanic's sea trials and Maiden Voyage, sending Thomas Andrews to take his place. After the sinking, Pirrie was still in recovery and was not asked to testify for either of the inquiries. He eventually made a full recovery.
Lord Pirrie caught pneumonia and died at sea on June 6th, 1924 while on a business tour of South America. His body was brought from New York on the RMS Olympic, and was buried in Belfast City Cemetery
Popular culture[]
Pirrie isn't portrayed in most popular culture, because he wasn't on board the ship. However, the 2012 Miniseries Titanic also has a few scenes in Belfast, where Pirrie makes a brief apperance, portrayed by Timothy West.
Episode 2 of 2012 Miniseries[]
Timothy West as Lord Pirrie in Titanic (2012 Miniseries)
Pirrie is first seen when he complains to Thomas Andrews about the slow speed of the electricity completion on board the Titanic. Pirrie wants the wiring to be quickly finished, but Jim Maloney, the engineer, prefers to have backups if one system fails. Pirrie seems to overtrust the Titanic, saying nothing will fail. He expects a meeting with Bruce Ismay and leaves the ship.
Soon after, Pirrie discusses the amount of lifeboats to install on the Titanic with Andrews and Ismay. Andrews is worried the White Star Line might be cutting corners, but neither Pirrie or Ismay seem to worry about the fact there are not enough lifeboats for everyone and that the Watertight Bulkheads don't reach up to the deck. Andrews also complains about the fact that only the sides are riveted with strong steel rivets, while stem and stern are riveted with weaker iron rivets. When he starts about the riveters as well, Ismay cuts him off and suspects him from insulting the company. Andrews apologizes, but he's still angry.
Back outside, Ismay says he'll miss the sea trials, but not the maiden voyage. Pirrie also cancels for the voyage. Once Ismay is gone, he asks Andrews to give Jim empowerment of the completion of the electrics, because they will need power on the trials.
Sources[]
Source[]
- 'Titanic' ©1996 (second print, 1998) Edward P. De Groot