An exhibition opens today marking the trading links between Southampton and South Africa. Until the 1970s, Union-Castle ships used to sail the 12,000 miles between Southampton and Cape Town.

The company's headquarters were based at Union-Castle House, near the docks. This is the last time that the former shipping line headquarters will be open to the public before it becomes private accommodation.

Union-Castle House

In the exhibition, called "International Waters II", artist Roger Palmer combines large-scale wall texts, such as ship names, with items selected from Southampton City Council's Union-Castle collection, many on display for the first time.

There is a private viewing this afternoon, but the exhibition is open tomorrow from 2.00pm until 4.00pm, and continues until March 31st.