Cunard Line To All Parts of the World poster – RMS Aquitania cross-section wall art – Ulrich Gutersohn c1920
This reproduction showcases the iconic Cunard Line To All Parts of the World poster, which offers a detailed peek into the world of luxury steamships during the Golden Age of Travel. The poster features the inside of the ocean liner Aquitania, one of Cunard Line’s grand trio of Ocean Liners, alongside RMS Mauretania and RMS Lusitania. Back in its time, the Aquitania was considered among the most attractive ships globally, and this poster shows some of its allure.
The poster’s highlight is a cross-section illustration, displaying the Aquitania’s interior before a new deck was added in 1922. It reveals the ship’s layout, from the boiler room to the boat deck, allowing viewers to explore its structure and facilities. Passengers are depicted enjoying their journey on different decks, showcasing the three available classes of cabin rooms. The poster highlights the ship’s features, including the promenade deck, garden lounge, restaurant, cabins, dining saloon, smoking room, staterooms, and ballroom.
Our reproduction faithfully preserves the original poster’s charm. It’s a glimpse into the past, inviting viewers to experience the elegance of a bygone era. The original posters were printed by T. Forman & Sons, a reputable company in Nottingham, Liverpool, & London. Notably, an original copy of this poster sold for over £9,500 in 2018, indicating the enduring appeal of these vintage artworks.
Exploring the RMS Aquitania
The RMS Aquitania, a name synonymous with elegance and grandeur, was one of the most celebrated ocean liners of the 20th century. Launched in 1913, she was the third of Cunard Line’s grand trio of ships, preceded by the illustrious RMS Mauretania and RMS Lusitania. The Aquitania was not only an engineering marvel but also a floating masterpiece, embodying the height of luxury travel during the Golden Age of ocean liners.
With a length of 901 feet, the Aquitania was one of the largest and most opulent ships of her time. Her majestic presence on the seas earned her a reputation as the “Ship Beautiful,” a fitting title considering her stunning interiors and exceptional service. The ship’s design seamlessly combined Edwardian elegance with modern amenities, providing passengers with an unparalleled travel experience.
The Aquitania was a pioneer in many ways. She was one of the first ocean liners to have a swimming pool and Turkish baths, offering passengers unprecedented luxury during their voyages. Her accommodations were renowned for their comfort and style, catering to a range of travelers, from first-class passengers in lavish suites to those in more modest but still elegant cabins.
Throughout her service, the Aquitania was a symbol of reliability and sophistication. During World War I, she was requisitioned as a troop transport, showcasing her adaptability and resilience. After the war, she resumed her transatlantic passenger services, continuing to charm travelers with her timeless allure.
The Aquitania’s legacy extended far beyond her impressive dimensions and luxurious amenities. She became an icon of an era marked by glamour and exploration, representing the pinnacle of travel and adventure. Though she met her end in the 1950s, her memory lives on, reminding us of a time when crossing the ocean was an experience of unparalleled grace and style, and the RMS Aquitania stood at the forefront of this golden age of travel.
Ulrich Gutersohn’s captivating poster takes viewers on an immersive journey through the ship, deck by deck. This vintage masterpiece allows us to explore every corner, from the intricacies of the boiler room, stores, and baggage area in the ship’s hull, to the detailed examination of the basement leading to the second and third-class bedrooms and dining saloons on floors 1, 2, and 3. Ascending further, one can marvel at the expansive two-tier restaurant on the fourth floor and even sneak a peek into the splendid first-class lounge and garden room on the top deck—spaces only the wealthiest in society would have got to see. Gutersohn’s artwork grants us a unique opportunity to delve into the ship’s innermost secrets, making this poster a true window into a world rarely seen.
Ulrich Gutersohn
Ulrich Gutersohn, was born in Frauenfeld in the canton of Thurgau in Switzerland in 1862. A prominent Swiss artist whose journey in the world of art began with formal education at the esteemed Royal-Bavarian School of Art in Munich, a renowned institution known for shaping many talented artists of its time. Eager to broaden his horizons, Gutersohn embarked on a journey to Italy, where he immersed himself in the rich artistic heritage of cities like Florence, Rome, and Naples.
Gutersohn is probably best known for his fantastic landscape watercolour paintings of towns, villages, and buildings in and around Lucern. His best-known work is probably his painting titled Rathaus und Pfistern which depicts the 17th Century Italian Renaissance style Lucerne Town Hall.
In 1885, at the young age of 23, Gutersohn’s talent and dedication were recognised when he was elected by the city council to serve as a drawing teacher at the local boys’ school. His appointment marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career in education and art. As a drawing teacher, Gutersohn not only honed the skills of his students but also shared his passion for art, leaving a lasting impact on the budding artists under his guidance.
Gutersohn’s reputation as a popular and versatile artist grew steadily over the years. His ability to captivate audiences with his artistry and his teaching acumen made him a respected figure in both the artistic and educational communities. He continued to inspire generations of students until his retirement in 1923.
Although we can’t be certain, the Cunard Line cutaway drawing appears to be the artist’s only foray into the commercial world of poster art.
