Mystery surrounds pictures taken on board QE2’s remaining poignant journey
The iconic British cruise line company wants to uncover the stories behind the thousands of images from its archive so it can tell the stories of those on board
Ahead of its upcoming celebratory ‘Sea of Glamour’ exhibition, luxury British cruise line, Cunard, has embarked on a journey to uncover the hidden stories behind several captivating photographs from the brand’s archive. With 14,000 pictures logged from 185 years’ worth of ocean travel – there’s thousands of fascinating stories from the past just waiting to be uncovered.
One such image features a group of dedicated cleaning staff, known as the Cleaning Ladies of 1975, who played a crucial role in keeping the Queen Elizabeth 2 in pristine condition. Among them was Anne Logan, a former cleaner who recognised herself in the photo. Anne was part of the ‘cyclic cleaners’ team, continuously working to maintain the QE2. She dedicated 30 years of service to Cunard, working aboard the Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary, Carmania, and Franconia. Her career began as a nursery nurse, and she later became a stewardess.
Another extraordinary story is that of David Lawrence and his lifeboat. A 1982 photograph from the archives captures an unexpected sight — a QE2 lifeboat towering over a driveway in Gelli, Llanharry, South Wales. David Lawrence purchased the lifeboat at an auction when the QE2 was decommissioned and brought it home, where it soon became a local attraction. His son, Geraint Lawrence, recalls how David worked tirelessly to transform it into a seaworthy fishing boat. Though only four years old at the time, Geraint still cherishes memories of setting sail with his father. The lifeboat was affectionately named “Rhona” after David’s daughter.
Similarly, up in Scotland, the River Clyde has long been the stage for historic maritime moments – none more so than the launch of Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth 2, a symbol of Scottish engineering and maritime excellence. The launch ceremony at John Brown’s Shipyard, Clydebank in 1976, remains a cherished moment that is imprinted in the memories of multiple generations. Were you, or someone you know, there that day? If so, Cunard would love to hear from you
Alternatively, can you help Cunard find the ship’s cooks from Queen Mary’s final journey? In one shot from the archive, a group of jolly kitchen staff can be seen waving to the crowds from the gallery as the ship sets off one last time from Southampton on Halloween in 1967.
If you are one of the people in these photographs, or you recognise someone, please share any information with [email protected] before 21 April 2025.
Once revealed, these stories and their images could become part of Cunard’s 185th anniversary ‘Sea of Glamour’ exhibition this May. Curated by British photographer Mary McCartney, the exhibition will showcase a historic collection of photos from the Cunard archives as well as unforgettable moments from the public submissions creating a timeline of iconic moments that immerses visitors in the magic of nearly two centuries of ocean travel.
Mary McCartney will then take the final photograph for the exhibition herself in Liverpool, capturing a portrait of Queen Anne’s Icons on the day it opens. This unique image will offer a fresh, captivating perspective on Cunard’s iconic link to Liverpool.
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, shared her excitement at unveiling these hidden stories: “For 185 years, our ships have been at the heart of unforgettable moments for millions of guests, communities and crew. By shining a light on shared moments – the big and the small – there’s a chance to learn so much about the people who make Cunard such a special brand. Our staff and our guests are the heartbeat of Cunard and I look forward to celebrating their stories alongside Mary McCartney in May at the ‘Sea of Glamour’ exhibition.”
The ‘Sea of Glamour’, hosted at The Royal Liver Building in Liverpool, will evolve into a global exhibition, travelling the world aboard the Cunard fleet in celebration of the brand’s 185th anniversary.
