Cunard’s 185th anniversary celebrated with an exhibition of historic photographs

Tomorrow (27 May) in Liverpool, the shipping and cruise line Cunard opens its new ‘Sea of Glamour’ photography exhibition, celebrating the line’s 185 year history.

Curated by British photographer and filmmaker Mary McCartney, the exhibition features 185 incredible images – sourced from the Cunard archives, and a collection of guest pictures, chosen from more than 1,000 photographs submitted by hundreds of guests from across the globe.

Archive images will include rare shots of Hollywood icons, musicians, and politicians at sea, alongside historic moments with royalty.

But, as Mary McCartney notes, “As I went through the archives and read the stories submitted by passengers from all corners of the world, I was struck by the strong sense of community and connection that Cunard has fostered over the years. I loved seeing the personal submissions – moments of joy, connection, and family milestones.

“As I reflected on these stories, I was reminded that glamour isn’t only found in images of royalty or Hollywood stars, but in the shared experiences of all Cunard passengers.”

B/W photo of ship workers playing football in a shipbuilding yard in front of the nearly completed QE2
Ship builders playing football below the hull of the new Cunard Liner QE2 at Clyde shipyard, Scotland, 1967 (Credit: Mirrorpix)

The Sea of Glamour exhibition will be open to the general public at The Royal Liver Building in Liverpool between 28 May and 17 June 2025, before setting sail around the world aboard the Cunard fleet.


Feature image: Kitchen staff waving to the crowds as the Cunard White Star liner Queen Mary sets off on her final voyage from Southampton in Oct 1967. (Photo: Cunard)

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