The 1st Class Smoking Room
On board most ships, the most opulent room, sited on Promenade Deck, was the First Class Smoking Room. On cruises it was simply described as the “Smoking Room”. The Cabin Class equivalent on cruises was the “Raleigh Room” aft on Main Deck.
The room was the equivalent of a “Gentleman's Club” hideaway, in which to enjoy a cigar, savour a tot of your chosen tipple and enjoy a quiet conversation. If you were on your own, there was a fantastic piece of artistry right above you, that you could study 'til your heart's content.
I speak of the quite spectacular dodecahedronal (that's 12 sided to us simpler folks) ceiling featuring panels carved by E.R. Thompson that represent the months of the year in Saxon times.
First Class Smoking Room
Photo: Reginald Gabbe
The centrepiece carries the ventilation and direct light, while 36 panels in 3 rows around it diffuse more light.
While the photograph shows windows, the outer edges of the room were inboard of the promenades on either side, so any daylight would be diffused. Unlike the Cabin Class equivalent, there is no bar; at seat service is provided by dedicated stewards throughout the day.
Of an early evening, you could escape the “Wandering Minstrels” and listen to the BBC World Service News. Quite what the mostly American audience would make of what they were being told is moot, although if it was in radio range, some of the NBC News broadcasts could be heard.
Reginald Gabbe's photo shows something rarely photographed. Whilst the Caronia was in port, a whole section of the room was roped-off, to protect the very expensive furnishings. The tables would normally be covered with cloths and adorned with ashtrays, match holders and flower vases.
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