Andrew P. B. Lound Books

The biography delves into the life of William Edward Hipkins, a key figure in the industrial revolution, whose career and legacy were tragically cut short by the Titanic disaster. Born into a family of corkscrew makers, he transformed W.&.T. Avery Limited and saved the Soho Foundry, becoming a pivotal player in the weighing industry. The narrative explores his management style, personal struggles, and the challenges of the 19th-20th century industrial landscape, highlighting themes of triumph, tragedy, and a bygone era of innovation and competition.

"The story of the ill-fated liner Titanic is one that has been told and retold countless times – it is hard to imagine that there could be any new stories or twists to the tale. Yet Titanic’s strong connection with the Midlands is one such story that is not so well known. The ship may have been built in Belfast, registered in Liverpool and sailed from Southampton, but over 70 per cent of her interiors came from the Midlands. This pivotal piece of research from Titanic expert Andrew P.B. Lound explores the role played by the people and the varied industries of the Black Country in the life of the most famous ship in the world"--Page 4 of cover