Description:E.J. Smith (1850-1912) was born in Hanley and had a long career at sea, working for many years for the White Star Line. Smith is best remembered for his final voyage, as captain of the ill-fated RMS Titanic, where he perished along with 1500 other passengers and crew.
This bronze statue, standing over 7 feet tall and sculpted by Lady Kathleen Scott (widow of Robert Falcon Scott 'of the Antarctic'), was unveiled in Beacon Park, Lichfield, by Smith's daughter Helen on July 29, 1914. Despite a local legend that Hanley declined the statue through shame, the statue was always destined for Lichfield, as it was thought more accessible for visitors (especially American visitors, as Smith had been a very popular captain with 1st class passengers).
The original inscription on the plinth does not mention Smith's link with the Titanic, with this information being added above in the 1980's. A further plaque was added in front of the statue in 2011, to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Titanic disaster.