Cunard Launches ‘Sea of Glamour’ for 185th Anniversary

Cunard will commemorate its 185th anniversary on May 27 with the unveiling of Sea of Glamour, an exhibition that brings together guest stories and photographs from across the globe.

The exhibition is curated by British photographer and filmmaker Mary McCartney and features a collection of 185 images. These include rare photographs from the Cunard archives and snapshots submitted by guests, all capturing life aboard the iconic cruise line.

According to a company press release, the archive highlights will showcase rare glimpses of celebrities, musicians, politicians, and royalty at sea, alongside memorable moments in maritime history.

McCartney shared her experience: “Curating Sea of Glamour for Cunard has been such a brilliant project for me as a photographer. To delve into 185 years of photographic history, I had the privilege of exploring not only Cunard’s iconic legacy but also the real, heartfelt moments shared by its guests on board.”

She continued, “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.”

Reflecting on the exhibition’s theme, she added: “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.”

To mark the occasion, McCartney will also photograph a special portrait of Cunard’s Queen Anne Icons in Liverpool on the opening day. The group includes notable Liverpudlian women: Spice Girl and writer Melanie C, community figure and broadcaster Ngunan Adamu, hospitality entrepreneur Natalie Haywood, cultural icon Jayne Casey, and Olympian Katarina Johnson-Thompson.

The Sea of Glamour exhibition will be open to the public at The Royal Liver Building in Liverpool from May 28 through June 17. Following its local debut, the exhibition will continue its journey aboard the Cunard fleet around the world.

Visitors will be treated to an interactive experience that includes immersive audio storytelling and a striking sculptural piece titled Sails of History. The installation will feature sails suspended mid-air, displaying the curated photographs like floating canvases.