Architectural photographer Paul Ward to display work on Queen Mary 2
The Cunard Buildings in Liverpool, New York and Southampton star in a set of images that will be displayed in Queen Mary 2‘s suites and staterooms when she re-enters service following her three-week refit in June. Cunard Line commissioned architectural photographer Paul Ward to capture the images. Ward spent a month researching, visiting and photographing
The Cunard Buildings in Liverpool, New York and Southampton star in a set of images that will be displayed in Queen Mary 2‘s suites and staterooms when she re-enters service following her three-week refit in June.
Cunard Line commissioned architectural photographer Paul Ward to capture the images. Ward spent a month researching, visiting and photographing the buildings.
This year the Cunard Building in Liverpool celebrates its centenary of opening as the line’s headquarters. The building was used for Cunard operations until 1967 and in 2004 became part of the City of Liverpool’s UNESCO World Heritage Site at Pier Head overlooking the River Mersey.
Ward headed to Manhattan to study and photograph the Cunard Building at 25 Broadway. The building is highly regarded 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 to be photographed was the Grade II listed South Western House in Southampton.
Paul Ward said: “This has been an incredible assignment. 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 renovation works to all Princess and Queens Grills Suites and all Britannia Club staterooms, as well as more than half of the balcony staterooms. A new design scheme will be rolled out which aims to pay tribute to the original Queen Mary‘s art deco heritage. Queen Mary 2 will also receive a range of upgrades, including the addition of 30 Britannia Club Balcony staterooms and 15 Britannia Single staterooms.
A selection of Ward’s photographs can be seen below.
Cunard Building in Liverpool
Cunard Building in Manhattan, New York
Cunard Building in Southampton
(Photo credits to Cunard Line / Paul Ward)