Grand Staircase of the Titanic

The Grand Staircase is the name sometimes given to the large ornate staircases in the first-class section of the White Star Line liner RMS Titanic, which sank following a collision with an iceberg in 1912.

Sited in the forward part of the ship, the Grand Staircase was the main communication between decks for First-Class passengers and the point of entry to numerous public rooms. It descended in seven levels between the Boat Deck and E-Deck. Just forward of the staircase a passenger could turn the corner and find the three First-Class elevators that communicated alongside the staircase between A and E-Decks. The Boat Deck landing gave onto the forward Boat Deck promenade space and Gymnasium, housed next door. On A-Deck a long corridor connected passengers to the Lounge further aft, and to the Smoking Room and Verandah and Palm Courts beyond. Two entry vestibules from the Grand Staircase connected passengers to the Promenade Deck. Just off the B-Deck level staircase were the two "Millionaire's Suites", as well as two First-Class gangway and entry foyers along each side. On C-Deck was the Purser's Office, where passengers stored their valuables and could obtain a variety of services. The D-Deck staircase opened directly onto the Reception Room and adjoining Dining Saloon. On E-Deck the staircase narrowed and lost its' grand sweeping curve, though it was designed in the same oak and wrought iron style. A modest single flight terminated on F-Deck, where the Turkish Baths and Swimming Pool could be reached. Long corridors accessing First-Class staterooms branched off of each level of the staircase.

The forward Grand Staircase was the pièce de resistance of the Titanic's First-Class public rooms. The two-storey high A-Deck level featured a large wrought iron and opaque glass dome overhead that allowed natural light to enter the stairwell during the day. This rested on the deck housing surrounding the stairwell and was covered by a protective box to protect the dome from the elements. In the center was a large crystal chandelier and the whole dome was warmly illuminated at night. The famous beaded crystal chandelier fixtures identified on the wreck only hung in the forward parts of the A and Boat Deck levels, the rest were made of cut-glass.

Each staircase was built in solid English oak, with each banister containing elaborate wrought iron grilles with ormolu swags in the Louis XIV style. The surrounding spaces were appointed in the same highly-polished oak paneling carved in the Neoclassical William & Mary style. The panels of the newel posts were carved with high relief floral garlands and topped by pineapple finials. The floors were laid with black and cream colored tiles but there were also Axminster rugs dotted throughout to give the room a cozier look. Comfortable seating was provided just off the staircases, though there is no consensus on the style of furniture used. Publicity illustrations show the same light wicker chairs which furnished the Reception Rooms and Verandah & Palm Courts, but photographs of the Olympic's Grand Staircase show upholstered wooden arm chairs and sofas not found in any other part of the ship.

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Wikipedia