Cunard Line Artifacts Displayed at Maritime Museum
A temporary exhibit featuring rare and unique artifacts from the world-renowned Cunard Line will go on display Wednesday, Nov. 6, at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. The items are from several ships, including Aquitania, Caronia and Queen Elizabeth.
The objects in the exhibit are part of a private collection owned by Nova Scotian John Langley, chairman of the Cunard Steamship Society. The Cunard Line, founded by Haligonian Samuel Cunard, was the first and longest-surviving successful ocean liner company in the world and was the builder of legends such as the ships Queen Elizabeth and Aquitania.
The exhibit features more than 100 objects, including models of Britannia -- the first Cunard steamer from 1840, Queen Elizabeth and Mauretania; crystal goblets commemorating the launch of Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary; and photos of the major Cunard liners in Halifax as troop ships during World War II. A beautiful oak jewelry box made from wood from RMS Aquitania will also be on exhibit.
The items gathered by Mr. Langley are one of Canada's largest private collections of Cunard Line artifacts. A passionate maritimer with a keen interest in history, Mr. Langley has been an avid Cunard collector and historian for 30 years. He has undertaken considerable research, has lectured on Cunard history and is currently writing a book on the life and legacy of Samuel Cunard.
Other objects in the exhibit include a souvenir pen with mother- of-pearl design from Aquitania, a 1920's era wooden jigsaw puzzle from one of Cunard's liners, a silver napkin ring from the early 20th century ship Ascania, a 78 rpm record of the launch of the ship Queen Mary presided over by the King and Queen of England, and a sterling silver cigarette case from Caronia.
A recent acquisition included in the exhibit is a Cunard Line house flag from the liner Queen Elizabeth II, which was presented to Mr. Langley by Capt. Ron Warwick, current master of the vessel.
"The objects featured in this exhibit nicely complement those in our own collection," said museum director Michael Murray. "The range and variety of the objects in this collection are wonderful to behold. It is comforting to know that there are people like John Langley who actively promote the memory and legacy of Samuel Cunard and who happily work with the museum community to share this heritage with all Nova Scotians."
The Cunard Line: The Langley Collection runs from Wednesday, Nov. 6, to March 31, 2003. Admission to the exhibit is included in the regular cost of a day or season pass to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. For public hours and admission rates, call the museum at 902-424-7490 or visit the Web site at http://maritime.museum.gov.ns.ca .