Luxury cruise line Cunard has been synonymous with elegance, luxury and adventure for over a century. The company’s commitment to providing its passengers with the ultimate experience has earned it a reputation as one of the most prestigious and celebrated cruise lines in the world. In celebration of its 100th anniversary, Cunard has launched its new Sea Views Exhibition, curated by British photographer and filmmaker Mary McCartney. The exhibition is a reflection of Cunard’s legacy, featuring a carefully curated selection of never-before-seen photographs that capture the essence of the company’s signature moments.
One of the significant milestones in Cunard’s history was the introduction of onboard photography over 100 years ago to capture the signature moments of their voyages. The second milestone was the centenary of the first-ever round-the-world voyage on Cunard’s ship, Laconia. Laconia’s 130-day voyage departed on 21 November 1922 and arrived back in New York on 30 March 1923 after calling at 22 ports. The exhibition is a culmination of the century’s rich history and celebrates these milestones through a collection of stunning imagery.
The Sea Views Exhibition features a vast selection of images from Cunard’s photography archive and an incredible number of photos submitted by past and present guests of its iconic cruise liners. The exhibition showcases a range of never-before-seen imagery featuring everything from Hollywood’s most famed to the treasured moments of guests, covering the dynamic changes in styles across fashion, food, and interior design since the 1920s.
The exhibition highlights a snapshot of Cunard’s most glamorous and esteemed guests, including Elizabeth Taylor, Rita Hayworth, Bing Crosby, and Nelson Mandela, illustrating some of Cunard’s archival gems across the century. The exhibition also features hundreds of personal photographs submitted by Cunard passengers from all over the world, including America, Australia, Canada, Germany and the UK, depicting a series of fascinating moments from families emigrating to new continents, milestone anniversaries to unexpected guest encounters, telling magical stories from the 1920s to present day.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is the selection of wonderful images captured by Jasper Harold Fittock, a “Pantryman/Steward” on board the Aquitania and later the Carmania, submitted by his grandson Peter Fittock from Thurso Scotland. The photograph featured in the exhibition shows cowboy movie star Tom Mix riding his horse Tony down the gangway, on a trip to England.
Barry Robins also shared a picture of himself and his sister Lynne Robins, aboard the Queen Mary, June of 1964. They were emigrating to the USA along with their mother to be reunited with their father. As siblings, they had a wonderful time onboard, prior to arriving in New York and shared a range of fond memories.
Curating the Sea Views Exhibition for Cunard has been a fulfilling project for Mary McCartney as a photographer and filmmaker. McCartney says, “It was not just about showcasing the history, but also celebrating the millions of travelers who have embarked on unforgettable voyages across the globe. As I went through the archives and read the stories submitted by passengers from all corners of the world, I was struck by the strong sense of community and connection that Cunard has fostered over the years. It was an honor to bring those stories to life through the exhibition.”
The Sea Views Exhibition is a testament to Cunard’s commitment to providing the ultimate luxury experience for its passengers. The exhibition is a celebration of the company’s rich history and the millions of passengers who have embarked on unforgettable voyages across the globe. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of luxury travel and a fitting tribute to one of the world’s most prestigious