Olympic Class Liners

In 1907 Bruce Ismay, Chairman of the White Star Line,met with Lord William Pirre, Chairman of Harland and Wolf, to discuss how the White Star Line could compete with the rivals Cunard's two new ships, the Lusitania and Mauretania. 

They looked to build the most luxurious ships to attract wealthy and prosperous passengers, which would be would be augmented by a large steerage class accommodation. They sketched out a design for the new ' Olympic' Class Ships.

It was decided that three ships would be built and named Olympic, Titanic and Gigantic.