Painting of historic Mauretania returns

Oct 9 2008 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

ANOTHER famous ship was the focus of attention on board the QE2 yesterday.

A painting of the Tyne-built liner Mauretania, which has been hanging on board the QE2, was presented on loan to Tyne Wear Museums.

Showing the liner leaving the Tyne in October, 1907, it will now go on show at Newcastle’s Discovery Museum.

The painting, by artist T.M. Hemy, was previously loaned by Swan Hunter to Cunard.

Yesterday, QE2 Captain Ian McNaught handed the painting back to Jaap Kroese, chairman of Swan Hunter (Tyneside) Ltd, who in turn presented it to Ged Bell, chairman of the Tyne & Wear Museums Joint Committee.

Alec Coles, director of Tyne & Wear Museums, said: “It is fantastic that this painting is being loaned to Tyne & Wear Museums.

“It is by an artist who is important to the region, and it shows one of Tyneside’s proudest ship-building achievements, so it is fitting that it will go on show at Discovery Museum where it will be accessible to everyone in the region for free.”

The painting also shows Turbinia, once the fastest boat in the world, and one of Discovery Museum’s most popular exhibits, sailing alongside Mauretania.

In fact, Turbinia was unable to sail on the day due to a mechanical problem.

The painting will be hung alongside Turbinia in Discovery Museum.

Captain McNaught said: “We are grateful to Swan Hunter for having loaned us this painting for display on QE2 where, over the years, it has been much admired by many thousands of people.

“I am pleased it will now go on display in the North East where many thousands more can enjoy this splendid depiction of one of Cunard’s – and the Tyne’s – greatest ships.”

Mr Kroese said that with the QE2 now leaving the Cunard fleet and going to pastures new, Swan Hunter felt it appropriate to return the picture to its roots in the North East.