Cunard ships, while among the most modern afloat, are known for their traditional luxury, accentuated by extensive use of brass, classic fabrics, marble and highly polished woods.One challenge for Queen Elizabeth’s designers was how to treat the significant central space on the sweeping staircase in the ship’s soaring Grand Lobby.
Cunard’s President and Managing Director, Peter Shanks, says: “We needed to fill that space with something which would not just be dramatic but which would also reflect our emphasis on traditional materials. After much thought, it was decided to commission a 5.6 metre (18 ft 6 in) high marque try panel depicting the original Queen Elizabeth, an Art Deco icon, using a variety of natural woods from around the world'.
“Once we had decided on the theme and the medium, it didn’t take us long to conclude that no-one was better qualified for this work than the company of the exceptional craftsman Viscount David Linley (nephew to Her Majesty The Queen), whose creative ability and mastery of wood is renowned”. As a result, Linley, a company specialising in the design and manufacture of fine furniture and marquetry was commissioned to design and make this stunning centre piece at the heart of the ship.
The magnificent artwork spans 2 decks and shows the port bow of the original Queen Elizabeth seen dramatically from sea level. The piece is intricately executed using the technique of marquetry inlay in nine different types of wood veneers and was revealed at a glittering event at Viscount Linley's London showroom last night.
See the Queen Elizabeth video gallery at
