Introduction
Like many ships of the Cunard Line, even today, the Caronia's interior was a symphony in Art Deco design. Whilst it goes in and out of fashion ashore, on sea-going vessels it's a long established method of immediately ensconcing its inhabitants in stylish comfort and luxury.
Considering the limitations of the immediate post-war years, the attention to detail aboard Caronia, especially in the passenger spaces, was quite remarkable. Whilst building the Timeline, I've been aware that an omission has been to identify the creators of many of the distinctive artworks and decorative features on board.
Two Sources
The quoted texts in the panels below and on the following pages, along with most of the photographs, come from 2 sources. Initially, I began with the contents of a 12 page article in Volume 47 No.278 August 1949 edition of ‘Art and Industry’.
Unfortunately the editor of the Magazine cannot be identified. The author of its article appears to have been an editorial source close to the Illustrated London News.
The magazine originated in 1922 as ‘Commercial Art’ though ceased publication in December 1959. It retained the title ‘Art and Industry’ until December 1958. In its final year the title was changed to ‘Design for Industry’.
My later source is from an 8 page supplement inserted into the “Ocean Times” distributed to passengers on the second morning at sea of Caronia's maiden voyage, on 06 January 1949. This insert, most probably printed ashore ahead of the voyage, is a very rare survivor indeed!
