New Photography Commission Captures Grandeur of Cunard's Iconic Offices in UK and North America

SOUTHAMPTON, England, Feb. 11, 2016 /CNW/ -- Cunard's former office buildings in Britain and North America are to become an integral part of the fleet's flagship Queen Mary 2 during her major 2016 refit.

The Cunard Buildings in Liverpool, New York and Southampton will each be featured in a specially-commissioned set of images that will be displayed in the ship's suites and staterooms when she re-enters service following her three-week refit next June.

Behind the images is renowned UK architectural photographer, Paul Ward, who accepted the Cunard commission and spent a month researching, visiting and photographing the buildings.

Ward's work started in December at the Cunard Building in Liverpool, this year celebrating the centenary of its opening as the line's headquarters in 1916. It remained the global focal point of Cunard operations until 1967 and in 2004 became part of the City of Liverpool's acclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Site at Pier Head overlooking the River Mersey.

Moving to Manhattan, Ward spent time studying and photographing the Cunard Building at 25 Broadway, which is highly noted for its architectural significance and grandeur, with the entrance lobby and first-floor ticketing office designated a New York City Landmark in 1995.

The last of the former offices photographed in the current commission is South Western House in the company's home city of Southampton, a Grade II listed property in England which signifies and preserves the special architectural and historic interest of the building.

"The Cunard Buildings in Liverpool, New York and Southampton preserve periods of Cunard culture and history throughout our more than 175-year existence," said Richard Meadows, president, Cunard North America. "The detail and layouts of the buildings sustain Cunard's rich heritage through design and décor that echoes attributes of the great liners of Cunard's past. There is no better way to honor our illustrious history than by incorporating Paul's images into design elements on board Queen Mary 2 as we move into the future of Cunard."

"This has been an incredible assignment," said Ward. "Starting in Liverpool, where the Cunard Building is still such a dominant façade on that famous waterfront, was amazing. Everywhere I turned, from the old luggage areas in the basement to the former First Class Lounge on the top floor and even the roof with its view across the city, I was spoilt for choice. In New York, the inside of the Broadway building is simply breath taking. At Southampton, the Grade II listed South Western House with its long association with ocean travel, was also an inspirational location. All of these buildings are so important to Cunard and it has been a privilege to visit each one and record a small aspect of the part they have played in both the history of Cunard and the maritime history of these great cities."

Queen Mary 2's major 25-day refit will see all Princess and Queens Grills Suites and all Britannia Club staterooms, together with more than half of balcony staterooms redesigned. Fresh design schemes and fine details will pay tribute to the original Queen Mary's iconic art deco heritage while keeping this grand ocean liner at the forefront of luxury.  

During her time in dry dock, Queen Mary 2 will also receive a wide range of upgrades, including the addition of 30 new Britannia Club Balcony staterooms and 15 Britannia Single staterooms.

A selection of Paul Ward's photography can be viewed at:
Liverpool:  http://bit.ly/1SekqCl
New York City: http://bit.ly/1PAiChc
Southampton: http://bit.ly/20mJ2bu

Watch videos of Paul on location for Cunard here:
Liverpool: https://youtu.be/Kn9X7qW3m6I
New York City: https://youtu.be/v3m6joO3iE4
Southampton: https://youtu.be/HmzWLEq-FRs

For more information about Queen Mary 2 or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Consultant, call Cunard toll free at 1-800-728-6273, or visit www.cunard.com.

About Cunard
Defining true excellence at sea with over 175 years of legendary voyages, Cunard is the operator of luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth that are renowned for impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining and world-class entertainment. Cunard has long been synonymous with the quest for new discoveries since the company's first paddle-wheeled steamer, Britannia, crossed the Atlantic in 1840.Today Cunard offers the only regularly scheduled Transatlantic liner service and continues the legacy of world cruising which it began in 1922.

World's Leading Cruise Lines
Cunard is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises, Seabourn and fathom. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com.

Cunard is also here:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cunard | Twitter: www.twitter.com/cunardline
YouTube: www.youtube.com/wearecunard | Blog: www.WeAreCunard.com

Cunard photography is available online at www.cunard3queens.com or at www.cunardimages.com
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For additional information about Cunard, contact:
Jackie Chase, Cunard, 661-753-1035, [email protected]
Maria Andriano, MGA Media Group, 212-251-1015, [email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160210/332130

SOURCE Cunard