The history of shipping is, in essence, the history of Cape Town. The Iziko Maritime Centre features an overview of this fascinating story. It also has on exhibit the earliest existing model of Table Bay harbour, completed in 1885 by prisoners and warders of Breakwater Prison. Images depicting Table Bay from the 17th to the 20th century give an idea of the development of the harbour. There is a collection of ship models and objects associated with shipping in Cape Town, in particular the magical era of the mail-ships. Large and medium-sized images abound and there is an emphasis on the Union-Castle Line. A key part of this resource centre is the John H. Marsh Maritime Research Centre: this collection includes, among other fascinating things, an important archive of nearly 20 000 photographs, depicting 9 200 ships dating from the late 1920s to the early 1960s. This museum is a treasure trove for the shipping enthusiast, but also has a lot to offer the casual visitor.
