Yesterday, May of 27th the Estonian Maritime Museum unveiled its latest publication, “Noblessner. Metamorphoses of a Submarine Shipyard 1912–1940,” a richly illustrated book that offers a rare photographic insight into the history of the Noblessner shipyard, complemented by contemporary views.
“This is not just a history book, but a unique visual journey through one of Estonia’s most significant industrial and maritime heritage sites,” said Urmas Dresen, one of the authors.
The book explores the establishment of the Noblessner submarine shipyard, the evolution of Estonian industrial architecture in the early 20th century, and highlights notable enterprises once based there, including the Bank of Estonia and Oskar Kilgas’s hosiery and lace factory.
At the heart of the publication is a Tsarist-era photo album donated to the museum in 2020. The album features 80 remarkably well-preserved silver gelatin photographs from 1913–1916, offering detailed visuals of the shipyard’s construction, its grand opening attended by high-profile guests, and the building of submarines.
The album was gifted to the museum by the daughter of its former owner, sports figure Konstantin Murumets.
In addition to previously unpublished photographs, the book delves deeply into the early days of the shipyard and chronicles the construction and service of its submarines and motor sailing vessels— Harjumaa, Läänemaa, and Virumaa.
The publication concludes with a selection of contemporary photographs by Tõnu Tunnel, creating a compelling bridge between past and present.
The authors of the book are Urmas Dresen, Andres Eero, Henry Kuningas, Tõnis Liibek, and Arto Oll. The book was compiled by Eva-Maria Maiste and designed by Peeter Laurits. It was edited by Hille Saluäär and translated by Kristi Lahne.
The book is published in both Estonian and English, in cooperation with Noblessner and with the support of the Cultural Endowment of Estonia.
It is available at the Estonian Maritime Museum shops (at the Seaplane Harbour and Fat Margaret) and major bookstores across Estonia.
Please see the gallery of the book presentation HERE.
Photos by Egert Kamenik.
Estonian Maritime Museum is dedicated to preserving, researching, and interpreting Estonia’s maritime history.
