As Cunard celebrates its remarkable 185th anniversary, the world’s most iconic luxury cruise line is inviting the public to step into a dazzling history of maritime glamour through its newly launched Sea of Glamour exhibition. Set to debut at Liverpool’s historic Royal Liver Building from May 28 to June 17, 2025, the exhibition honors Cunard’s prestigious legacy and global guest experiences through a stunning collection of photographs and interactive displays.
What Is the Sea of Glamour Exhibition?
The Sea of Glamour is not just an exhibition—it’s a time capsule that captures Cunard’s 185-year journey across oceans and through time. Curated by world-renowned British photographer and filmmaker Mary McCartney, the exhibit will feature:
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185 curated photographs, a blend of historic images and heartfelt guest submissions
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Rare visuals of Hollywood stars, royalty, politicians, and musicians
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A global showcase of personal moments from Cunard passengers spanning generations
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Immersive storytelling and sculptural installations for a truly sensory experience
Curated by Mary McCartney – A Vision of Legacy and Emotion
Artistic Direction from a Legacy Photographer
Mary McCartney brings a deeply emotional and artistic lens to this project. Best known for capturing intimate and evocative images, McCartney curated the exhibit using over 1,000 public photo submissions alongside Cunard’s vast archival collection.
She emphasized that glamour is not just in famous faces—but in genuine, shared experiences: family reunions, weddings, milestone anniversaries, and friendships formed at sea.
“Glamour isn’t only found in images of royalty or Hollywood stars, but in the shared experiences of all Cunard passengers.” — Mary McCartney
A Global Tapestry of Guest Stories
Cunard’s ships have carried guests from across the world—from America to Australia, Germany to Japan, and everywhere in between. The Sea of Glamour celebrates this global reach by incorporating passenger-submitted photographs that chronicle:
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Family holidays and multigenerational journeys
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Wedding ceremonies held at sea
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Solo adventures and friendship voyages
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Once-in-a-lifetime moments aboard Cunard’s luxury liners
These images breathe life into the brand’s storied past, showcasing that Cunard’s ships are more than vessels—they’re carriers of memories.
The Queen Anne Icons – Celebrating Cunard’s Spiritual Home
Capturing Modern Glamour in Liverpool
To mark the 185th anniversary, Mary McCartney will capture a new iconic image: The Queen Anne Icons, a portrait of five remarkable Liverpudlian women chosen to represent the brand’s heritage and connection to Liverpool, Cunard’s spiritual birthplace.
The Icons include:
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Melanie C – Spice Girl and author
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Ngunan Adamu – BBC broadcaster and community leader
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Natalie Haywood – Liverpool-based hospitality entrepreneur
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Jayne Casey – Cultural innovator and music legend
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Katarina Johnson-Thompson – Olympic heptathlete
This unique moment bridges Cunard’s rich past with its empowering future.
Inside the Exhibition Experience
An Immersive Journey Through Time
Set within the majestic Royal Liver Building, visitors will encounter:
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Sails of History Installation: Floating sculptural sails that display the curated photographs
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Immersive Audio Experience: Hear first-hand accounts from past passengers as you explore the exhibit
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Interactive Timeline: A visual journey from the 1900s to present day Cunard voyages
This is more than a viewing—it’s an emotional, interactive exploration of maritime culture and community.
Sea of Glamour to Embark on a Global Tour
After its debut in Liverpool, the exhibition will travel aboard the Cunard fleet, bringing the celebration to passengers across the globe. This global tour allows travelers on future Cunard voyages to engage with the history and spirit of their journeys, wherever they may be.
FAQs:
Q1: What is Cunard’s Sea of Glamour exhibition about?
A: It’s a photo and storytelling exhibition celebrating Cunard’s 185-year legacy through archival images and guest-submitted photos, curated by Mary McCartney.
Q2: When and where will the exhibition be held?
A: The exhibition will take place at the Royal Liver Building in Liverpool from May 28 to June 17, 2025.
Q3: Who are the Queen Anne Icons?
A: They are five inspiring Liverpudlian women chosen to represent Cunard’s connection to Liverpool: Melanie C, Ngunan Adamu, Natalie Haywood, Jayne Casey, and Katarina Johnson-Thompson.
Q4: Will the exhibition be available outside the UK?
A: Yes. After its Liverpool debut, the Sea of Glamour will travel globally aboard Cunard’s ships as a floating exhibition.
Q5: Can anyone submit photos for future exhibits?
A: While this exhibit’s photo submissions are closed, Cunard often invites public contributions for special campaigns. Keep an eye on their official channels for opportunities.
