SCOTTISH MARITIME MUSEUM ANNOUNCES AUGUST EVENING TALK:Cunard Line & The Queens A Legacy of Luxury on the Transatlantic Route

RMS Lusitania was a British ocean liner launched by the Cunard Line in 1906

Cunard Line & The Queens
A Legacy of Luxury on the Transatlantic Route
By Bill Fitzpatrick
6pm Thursday 22 August
Scottish Maritime Museum
Irvine Harbourside
The extraordinary story of the world-famous Cunard Line will be the subject of the Scottish Maritime Museum’s August evening talk.
Local historian Bill Fitzpatrick will shine a light on the famed maritime company at his talk, ‘The Cunard Line & The Queens: A Legacy of Luxury on the Transatlantic Route’, at 6pm on Thursday 22 August.
During the talk, which will take place in the Museum’s Linthouse building on Irvine Harbourside, Bill will describe how Cunard was established in 1840 and went on to become a key influence in shaping passenger travel from the golden age of ocean liners to the modern cruise experience.

‘The Mighty Atlantic Record Breaker’. Within just over three months of her maiden voyage in May 1936, the Queen Mary had broken six Atlantic speed records and won the Blue Riband. On August 19, 1936, the ship left Southampton for New York and covered the distance from Bishop Rock to the Ambrose Light, a total of 2909 miles, in four days and 27 minutes, at an average speed of 30.14 knots.

 

He will also touch on Cunard’s role developing transatlantic travel, in particular, and wartime service.
Eva Bukowska, Exhibitions and Events Officer at the Scottish Maritime Museum, says:

“Join us as we celebrate the legacy of the Cunard Line and the incredible ships that have sailed the Atlantic shaping our views on travel and adventure today.
“Everyone will enjoy hearing how innovative designs, luxurious interiors and cutting-edge technology made Cunard’s iconic liners, such as the RMS Aquitania, RMS Queen Mary, and RMS Queen Elizabeth so popular with so many people around the world from celebrities and dignitaries through to everyday travellers.
“Cunard’s Queens were iconic passenger ships but, as Bill will describe, the historical significance of the transatlantic route also went further. It impacted on immigration, trade and cultural exchange between Europe and North America.
“Bill’s talk is set to be popular so advance booking on the Museum website is highly recommended.”

 

Launched in 1914, the RMS Aquitania was one of the largest and most luxurious ships of its time. Known as the ‘Grand Old Lady’ of the Cunard Line, it was celebrated for its design, service and significant wartime service.
Now permanently docked in Long Beach, California, the 1934 liner RMS Queen Mary was famed for the Art Deco style and luxurious accommodation. Converted into a troopship during World War II, it earned the nickname ‘The Grey Ghost.
The first of three Queen Elizabeth vessels built for Cunard, RMS Queen Elizabeth launched at John Brown & Co., Clydebank, in 1938.
The liner served as a troop transport vessel with anti-aircraft guns during World War II before famously plying Cunard’s transatlantic route alongside RMS Queen Mary.

Tickets for Cunard Line & The Queens: A Legacy of Luxury on the Transatlantic Route are priced £7 Adult/£5 Concessions.
Refreshments and entry to the Museum’s Summer exhibition ‘Shipyard Social’ are included.
Tickets can be purchased on the Museum website www.scottishmaritimemuseum.org or by visiting the Museum or telephoning 01294 278283.

Issued on behalf of the Scottish Maritime Museum by
Joanna Harrison, Mobile: 07884 187404

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