“Ocean Liners: Speed and Style,” an exhibition organized by the V&A in London and the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, is on view through February 24, 2019.The exhibition is the first of its kinds to explore the design and cultural impact of the ocean liner on an international scale. From paintings, sculptures, ship and engine models, to wall panels, furniture, fashion, textiles, photographs, posters and film, the exhibition presents more than 250 objects from public and private collections around the world. Some of these objects have never-before-been-seen in Europe.“Ocean Liners: Speed and Style” highlights Scotland’s important role in the design and development of ocean liners, which revolutionized travel in the mid-19th century to the late 20th century. Visitors are invited to get a glimpse of these ‘great floating palaces’ and discover how ocean liners became one of the most powerful and admired symbols of 20th century modernity, as per the museum.Exhibition highlights include Stanley Spencer’s painting ‘The Riveters’ from the 1941 series Shipbuilding on the Clyde, which was commissioned by the British Government to record industries involved in World War Two. The painting shows the strict division of labor in the shipyards and reflects the huge and highly skilled workforces involved in the construction of liners. Another significant painting on display is “Paquebot ‘Paris’” by the leading US Precisionist Charles Demuth, which is inspired by liners.Some stunning fashion items are also on display including one of the most important flapper dresses in the V&A’s collection — Jeanne Lanvin’s ‘Salambo’ dress — which belonged to Emilie Grigsby, a renowned wealthy American, who regularly traveled between the UK and New York on board the Aquitania, Olympic, and Lusitania throughout the 1910s and 1920s. A version of the dress was displayed at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris in 1925. Another item is the Christian Dior suit worn by actress Marlene Dietrich as she arrived in New York on board the Queen Elizabeth in 1950 and the Duke of Windsor’s 1940s Goyard luggage.Also on show is a precious Cartier tiara recovered from the sinking Lusitania in 1915, as well as a panel fragment from the Titanic’s first-class lounge.During the exhibition opening, Sophie McKinlay, Director of Programme at V&A Dundee, said: “There is a lot to be said about the romance of these floating cities which are a wonderful example of a totally designed experience. As well as the glamor and hugely successful marketing of ocean liners, the exhibition will also venture into the engine rooms of these impressive vessels, exploring the innovations in engineering that so radically changed the way people travel.”“Ocean Liners: Speed and Style” is co-curated by Ghislaine Wood, Guest Curator for the Victoria and Albert Museum, London and Daniel Finamore, The Russell W. Knight Curator of Maritime Art and History at the Peabody Essex Museum.“Ocean Liners: Speed and Style” is on view through February 24, 2019 at V&A Dundee, Riverside Esplanade, Dundee, DD1 4EZ.For more information, visit: https://www.vam.ac.uk/dundee/Click on the slideshow for a sneak peek at the exhibition.  https://www.blouinartinfo.com/              Founder: Louise Blouin Read more