Rare Before And After Photos Of The Titanic Have Been Discovered

Whether you've seen the movie or not, you've probably heard of the Titanic. Since the events of the "unsinkable ship," historians and researchers have immersed themselves in discovering what exactly happened to the ship as it collided with the iceberg. For obvious reasons, few people have had the privilege of seeing what the Titanic looked before and after the wreck. In 1995, first remnants of the ship were discovered south-east of Newfoundland by Robert Ballard, thanks to a deep-sea remote control submersible called Argo.

Within the wreckage, Robert's team discovered one of the three propellers, which was uncovered on the starboard side of the ship. Titanic's side propellers reached 23 feet wide, while the middle's width measured at 16 feet. The left image was taken towards the end of the Titanic's construction and gives a clear idea of how massive both the ship and its propellers were. Had the ship been faced upright, the Titanic would have been taller than any building that existed during that period.

On Deck D, you could find the Dining Saloon, which was enormous. It was the largest room on the ship and its width measured at 114 feet long and it could accommodate 500 passengers. Its interior included finely paneled walls and an elegant ornamented ceiling. The walls were painted in white and spectacular leaded-glass windows covered the portholes, giving the room the appearance of a lovely land-based restaurant. At evening, special lighting behind the windows would enhance this illusion and create a warm and romantic atmosphere.

Towards the back of the Promenade Deck was this lavish smoking room. Its walls were paneled in Georgian style mahogany and inlaid with mother of pearl. Above the fireplace was a centerpiece painting by Norman Wilkinson called "The Approach to the New World." This getaway was designated only to men and offered several areas where friends could enjoy an intimate conversation, cigarette, and a drink. Within the space were tables and chairs, an excellent spot for a friendly game of cards.

Seven decks of the Titanic were designated to second class passengers. The second class accommodations and facilities on board the Titanic were equivalent in comfort and space to many first class facilities on other ships of the time. Public areas accessible for the middle class included a vast library, smoking room, dining saloons, and Promenade Decks. The rooms offered comfortable dwelling and were trimmed tastefully with oak paneling, carpeted floors, and mahogany pieces of furniture such as a large sofa, wardrobe, dressing table with washbasin, mirror, and storage shelves.