Shortly before the Titanic sailed on her maiden voyage, May Louise McMurray wrote her first and last letter to her father, William McMurray, a first class bedroom steward on the ship.

May’s letter goes on display, for the first time, in a compelling new exhibition, “Titanic and Liverpool: the untold story”.

The exhibition, which marks the 100th anniversary of the ship sinking, opens at the National Museums Liverpool on 30th March, 2012.

Although written in her best handwriting, May’s letter contains a few spelling mistakes.

She wrote:

“Dear Father,

“It seems ages since I last seen you. I wish we where in Southampton with you it is very lonely without you Dear Father I have not been very well I have had a bad throat hoping I will soon get better for Mana (sic) worries so much little Ernie has not been so well but he as got better now hoping you are keeping well dada so ta love from Ivy and Ernie thank dada for the presents love from all dad hoping to see you soon with love from Ivy and May and Ernie xxxxxxxxxx  kisses for dada x Dada, this is my first letter.”

William never received May’s letter which reached Southampton after the ship had sailed.

He was one of more than 1,500 passengers and crew who died in the Titanic disaster.

The letter was returned to Liverpool and treasured for many years by the family before being given to Merseyside Maritime Museum in 1989.

Inspired by the book Titanic and Liverpool by former Merseyside Maritime Museum curator Dr Alan Scarth (Liverpool University Press and National Museums Liverpool 2009), the exhibition explores the history and myths surrounding the sinking.

The book is available online from www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/onlineshop/ price £12.95.