The Fenwicks

[John L Barr]

On board the Carpathia was a newlywed couple, Mr and Mrs Fenwick. Mrs. Fenwick was an early photography enthusiast, and she took most of the photos showing the rescue of Titanic survivors. After the Carpathia returned to NYC and offloaded the survivors, she took on fresh supplies and resumed her voyage to Europe. The question I have is what happened to the Fenwicks? There is not even a footnote about the rest of their lives in any of the histories I've read. Thanks, JLB.

 

[Brandon Whited]

Their grandson appeared on an episode of the Antiques Roadshow, bringing with him all the rescue pictures as well as the biscuit they got out of one of the lifeboats. The collection was valued at $18,000.

Besides witnessing the Titanic rescue, I guess the Fenwicks led ordinary lives, so it's really no surprise that not much is known about them. They're mainly just known for the images of the rescue they brought back.

Welcome to the message board!

 

[Pat Cook]

Just a bit more on the Fenwicks "Antiques Roadshow" appearance. The grandson AND his mother, Mary Lou Fenwick, appeared. Fortunately, at that time, I had just contacted Mrs. Fenwick (daughter-in-law to the Carpathia Fenwicks) about a copy of a letter written them by Lawrence Beesley (to this day, it is the only actual Beesley signature I've seen). She graciously gave me permission to use both the letter and photo in my project and, as an aside, said she and her son would be on the AR. Sure enough, when the show about Baltimore played, there they were. By the way, their material, which included not only several photos taken on board the Carpathia and letters from survivors but also a 'biscuit' saved from a lifeboat, was estimated at between $50,000 and $75,000.

Hope this is of some help.

Best regards,
Cook

 

[Brandon Whited]

I was way off on that estimation. It's just been so long since I saw that program I was thinking it was $18,000 for some reason. Thanks for the correction, Cook.

 

[John L Barr]

So the surviving Fenwicks live in Baltimore? Very interesting. Oh, by the by thanks for you responses.

 

[Pat Cook]

Actually, Mary Lou moved from Baltimore shortly after the show aired. Right now, I don't know where she lives - her son may still reside there, though.

 

[Richard Paola]

I think i saw that episode..i didn't realize it was the Fenwick's descendants...does anyone know how many photos are in her collection related to the Titanic ? ..

 

[Alfred Nourney]

What was the lifespan of James Fenwick, the Carpathia passenger who's on the news now

Thank you!