Cunard’s Queen Victoria Installs Museum-Quality Art

Cunard’s Queen Victoria was England’s first “modern” monarch -the first queen to have a telephone, ride a train, be photographed and host a World’s Fair. In celebration of the monarch, Cunard turned to a collection of contemporary British artists to create works for its newest ocean liner, Queen Victoria.

Assembling the art collection for Queen Victoria was “a career highlight” for Amy Lucena, the art consultant who is managing the acquisition of over 500 pieces that will form the core of the ship’s nearly $2 million collection.

Showcasing primarily British artists, the ship’s collection ranges from several featured pieces by renowned artists and craftsmen to smaller but equally significant installations.

The three etchings in the Queens Room (one by Queen Victoria, one by Prince Albert and one by the two together) are among the ship’s most treasured works. Cunard will introduce a museum-style, self-guided art tour. An 80-minute audio overview, the Queen Victoria Art Tour will trace a path to 25 works.

The tour will feature video interviews with artists, some while at work on their particular Queen Victoria pieces. The audio tour will be available on the new Apple iPod Touch which guests can borrow from the Purser’s Desk. Highlights include a traditional maritime portrait of Queen Victoria at sea by noted maritime artist Robert Lloyd.