Meet the first British man to dive to Titanic – only at London’s Titanic Exhibition until 16 August

Visitors to London’s Titanic Exhibition have a unique opportunity to meet one of the world’s most experienced Titanic explorers, as renowned deep-sea diver Dik Barton joins the exhibition at Olympia, Kensington for a limited two-week residency.

Barton made history as the first British man to dive to the wreck of RMS Titanic and has since completed 22 expeditions to the famous ship lying nearly 12,500 feet beneath the North Atlantic. During those expeditions, he played a key role in the recovery of more than 5,500 artefacts from the wreck site, helping uncover new insights into one of history’s most famous maritime disasters.

Now, for a limited time only, visitors can meet Barton in person, attend one of his daily lectures and hear first-hand what it is like to descend almost two and a half miles beneath the ocean to explore the world’s most famous shipwreck.

Drawing on decades of experience, Barton shares extraordinary stories from his expeditions, explains how the wreck has changed over time, and offers a rare insight into the challenges of deep-sea exploration.

His talks accompany the UK’s largest Titanic exhibition, which features hundreds of authentic artefacts spanning the construction of the ship, life on board, the sinking, and the discovery of the wreck. Highlights include one of the few surviving Titanic deckchairs recovered after the disaster, what is believed to be the largest surviving section of the Aft Grand Staircase, the only surviving piece of Titanic’s teak decking recovered from the wreck site, and the only intact wooden galley door known to survive.

Tom Rudderham, Director of White Star Heritage, said:

“Very few people have seen Titanic with their own eyes. Dik has spent decades exploring the wreck and helping recover artefacts that would otherwise have remained hidden forever. To hear his stories while standing amongst genuine Titanic artefacts is an experience that simply can’t be recreated anywhere else.”

Barton added:

“People often ask me what it’s like to see Titanic for the first time through the submersible’s viewport. It’s a moment that never leaves you. I’m looking forward to sharing those experiences with visitors and answering their questions about the ship, the wreck and the expeditions that helped preserve her story.”

The exhibition is now open at Olympia London, Kensington, but closes on 16 August, making Barton’s appearance an exceptionally rare opportunity for anyone fascinated by Titanic, maritime history or deep-sea exploration.

Members of the media are invited to arrange interviews with Dik Barton, attend a lecture or film amongst the exhibition’s collection of authentic artefacts by contacting [email protected].

Tickets are available now at www.titanic.london.

Notes to Editors

• Media opportunity: Journalists may interview Dik Barton while handling selected genuine Titanic artefacts under supervision. 
• Dik Barton was the first British man to dive to the wreck of RMS Titanic.
• He has completed 22 expeditions to the wreck site.
• He participated in expeditions that recovered more than 5,500 artefacts from Titanic.
• The UK’s largest Titanic exhibition is now open at Olympia London, Kensington, until 16 August 2026.
• High-resolution images, interview opportunities and additional media information are available on request.