Book Launch - From Ship's Cook To Baronet

“An authoritative account of an impressive and complex individual, which also throws a great deal of light on tramp shipping and maritime business over a crucial period.” –

Emeritus Professor Sarah Palmer, Greenwich Maritime Institute

In the Grand Hall at the National Museum of Wales, Cardiff, on 21 September at 6pm, the University of Wales Press will be inviting interested members of the public to the launch of its latest publication - From Ship’s Cook to Baronet: Sir William Reardon Smith’s life in shipping, 1856 – 1935 by David Jenkins.

Sir William Reardon Smith (1856 - 1935) was one of the foremost figures in south Wales in the early twentieth century. His was a classic story of ‘rags to riches’ - starting life as a deck-hand and ship’s cook, he made a fortune in the shipping industry at the zenith of the Welsh coal trade and subsequently showed great entrepreneurial initiative during the depression, acquiring motor vessels and establishing new trade routes. He is also remembered as a great philanthropist, particularly through his association with the National Museum of Wales and his establishment of the Reardon Smith Nautical School.

David Jenkins has worked for Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales since 1982 and is currently senior curator of the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. He has written numerous books and articles on aspects of Welsh maritime and transport history and is also a frequent broadcaster on these topics.

Interested parties should RSVP Catrin Harries by 14th September including numbers attending c.harries@press.wales.ac.uk, 10 Rhodfa Columbus, Maes Brigantîn, Caerdydd, CF10 4UP

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Notes to Editors:

For more information on the University of Wales Press visit: www.uwp.co.uk  
For press and media information, please contact Tom Barrett, Communications Officer, University of Wales: t.barrett@wales.ac.uk  
02920 376991