The newest ship in the luxurious Cunard fleet, the Queen Elizabeth, will continue the traditions of elegant decor and fine artwork with a specially commissioned piece by Linley. One of the challenges faced by Queen Elizabeth's designers was the Grand Lobby, with it's huge open space and sweeping staircase. The company specialise in design and manufacture of marquetry and fine furniture, hence their selection for the project.
Peter Shanks, Cunard's President and Managing Director, described the commissioned artwork; “We needed to fill that space with something which would not just be dramatic but which would also reflect our emphasis on traditional materials. After much thought, it was decided to commission a 5.6 metre (18 ft 6 in) high marquetry panel depicting the original Queen Elizabeth, an Art Deco icon, using a variety of natural woods from around the world'.
“Once we had decided on the theme and the medium, it didn't take us long to conclude that no-one was better qualified for this work than the company of the exceptional craftsman Viscount David Linley (nephew to Her Majesty The Queen), whose creative ability and mastery of wood is renowned”.
The dramatic artwork spans two decks and shows the port bow of the original Queen Elizabeth seen dramatically from sea level.