Interview: Sam Cox, senior gallery manager for Clarendon Fine Art

What inspired Clarendon Fine Art to collaborate with Cunard and P&O Cruises?
At Clarendon Fine Art, our mission has always been to make exceptional art accessible to everyone. Having proven so popular with customers of our land-based galleries, we wanted to introduce our portfolio of artists to a wider audience and reach potential new art collectors on a global scale. 

Today we are proud to have achieved that goal, with our artwork travelling all over the world courtesy of our galleries onboard Cunard and P&O ships.

What makes Clarendon Fine Art different?
Clarendon Fine Art is unique in terms of its offerings at sea as we aim to provide an experience that resonates both with those taking their first trip into the art world and those who are already experienced collectors. 

Our portfolio is diverse with a mix of iconic artists including Salvador Dalí, Damien Hirst and L.S. Lowry alongside contemporary artists such as Mr Brainwash, Tom Butler and Fabian Perez.

The gallery and its team focus on creating an engaging experience, offering seminars that educate and inspire as opposed to simply selling art. 

Additionally, our commitment to exceptional customer service ensures that each client continues their artistic journey beyond the cruise through dedicated our dedicated art consultants in the UK.

What are you most proud of professionally?
It would be the number of clients who have told me that they have never been interested in art before stepping foot in my gallery. This proves to me that, for a lot of people, there is a barrier that makes them as though they aren’t the ‘type of person’ that should be appreciating art –and to be the person that breaks down that barrier is incredibly rewarding. Art should be for everyone. 

Alongside this, I am proud to have managed all of our 11 galleries at sea across and to currently manage the gallery onboard Cunard's newest ship Queen Anne. 

I could not run the gallery alone though and I have the immense privilege of working alongside my wife, Gemma. Having someone you trust by your side is not just a joy – it’s key to the success of any gallery. 

What does it mean to you for Clarendon Fine Art to feature on Cunard and P&O Cruises’ ships?
Working in collaboration with iconic brands like Cunard and P&O, that have over 185 years of history and prestige, represents an opportunity to bring the Clarendon Fine Art experience to a global audience. 

The ability to offer guests an inspiring, educational, and ever-changing art experience at sea is a privilege and a testament to the gallery's reputation.

It also allows our guests to enjoy everything an art gallery can offer without having to leave the comfort of the beautiful ships they are travelling on.
 

What makes the galleries at sea unique? 
Unlike land-based galleries, the onboard galleries cater to a constantly changing audience of up to 3,000 guests, with stays ranging from two to 120 nights. To keep things fresh and exciting, the gallery houses up to 350 artworks that constantly change, in addition to hosting engaging seminars that attract audiences of up to 400 guests. 

Purchasing artwork onboard a ship with Clarendon Fine Art allows  guests to acquire something that is personal and heartfelt but also binds all of their travel memories into a beautiful and tangible item in their home.

Which pieces are ‘must-sees’ for passengers?
One of the most exciting elements of visiting one of our galleries at sea is that every encounter is different. Each gallery team is empowered to have an input into the works that will be shown' the seminars that they will put together; and, ultimately, the experience that each guest will have. 

To this end, the ‘must-see’ pieces will vary from cruise to cruise and ship to ship. Perhaps it could be an exquisite Pip McGarry original oil painting of a herd of elephants or maybe it is an original pencil drawing from L.S. Lowry or a signed Banksy piece – part of the excitement is never knowing quite what could be coming out next.

How do you guide passengers to the right pieces?
One of the wonderful things about art is that there is never a wrong answer in terms of what you appreciate and want to hang on your wall. So, the best advice I can give to our guests considering a piece of artwork is to go with your heart and buy what you like.

However, you might not know what your heart wants until you see it – and that is where we come in. Having access to our exceptional portfolio of artwork means that we can get to know our clients and find works that we know they will love. 

Art is, and should be, an emotional purchase and it is an extension of your personality and your life experiences. Getting to know our guests is key to finding the right piece for them and their own story.

What’s the most common question you’re asked at sea?
That would be: "How do we get the artwork home?" Fortunately, the answer is quite simple: we deliver worldwide. We offer insured shipping to most countries in the world meaning that the work of our artists can be enjoyed in homes and offices across the globe. So, there is no need for our guests to measure their suitcases to see if their new artwork will fit.

Any unforgettable moments at sea that you can share?
There have been countless unforgettable moments with guests, many of whom have become lifelong friends. However, one experience that stands out for me is a special voyage aboard Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth, sailing from Vancouver to Los Angeles. 

We hosted VIP guests on an all-expenses-paid journey, complete with signature Clarendon touches that made it truly extraordinary. The highlight of the trip was an event celebrating a special commission by Pop art phenomenon Mr Brainwash for Cunard. 

Having him join us onboard to add the finishing touches to his artwork live in front of a captivated audience, was a moment of pure magic that I will always remember. 

What’s your favourite part of running onboard art galleries?
Building meaningful and lasting relationships.The operation doesn’t work just because of the onboard gallery teams, it takes a client services team, merchandising team, marketing teams, logistics experts, our company directors and so many more to make sure that the Clarendon experience is unforgettable.

At Clarendon Fine Art, our company motto is ‘We are One’, and those of us working at sea are evidence of the truth of this – Clarendon’s strength lies in bringing people together to achieve something extraordinary.

Above all, it’s that relationship with guests and clients who become friends that inspires me every day to bring the wonderful world of art to everyone onboard.