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"Titanic 100", an exhibition of photographs by R J Welch, has launched the Titanic centenary commemorations at Belfast City Hall. The exhibition will last for two months as the tragic sinking of the ship is remembered by Belfast and the world.

The exhibition will focus on the construction of the ship, through the lens of R J Welch. Welch was the official photographer of the Belfast ship makers, Harland and Wolff. As well as displaying Welch's photographs the exhibition will attempt to give an insight into the life of the men who worked at Harland and World shipyard in 1911.

The exhibition was opened by the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Pat Convery, John Andrews the president of the Belfast Titanic Society and Thomas Andrew the great-grandson of the Titanic's designer.

The date of the exhibitions launch coincides with the laying of the ship's keel at Harland and Wolff on the 31 March 1909.

April 1 1911 is also the centenary of the opening of Thomson Graving Dock where the ship was to be built.

Belfast City Council will hold two months of events leading up to May 31 the centenary of the ship's launch.