Cruising through history
17.04.18
Dear Diary,
Today I went to a gorgeous exhibition at the V&A called "Ocean Liners: Speed and Style". Imagine walking through history of water travel. You start off with early passenger sailing during the Victorian era. When unpredictable and perilous journeying was not safe even inside your cabin, as none of the furniture was fixed to the floors, so at the slightest rocking of the boat you would skid while in your chair in the direction of the slant or fell out entirely if you were unlucky. Thankfully these days are over.
You would then smoothly flow into rooms with furniture designs from the '30's, through to the'90's. Paneling and tiles were brought in to show the decadent designs of the cruise ships, everything hand finished. Traveling by liner was a luxury experience in all its aspects. A costly experience for not only getting you from point A to B but also offering a form of escapism. Ocean liners were truly floating hotels as all amenities and comforts were considered. Daily entertainment such as music bands, which inspired songs and lounge music to fit the surroundings, was provided for all decks. Later on people from different classes could enjoy the same music and dance floor in the evenings. I actually purchased "Grand Salon Sounds; music for the Ocean Liners". Beautifully mellow sounds which include Cole Porter, Fred Astaire, Vera Lynn and Geraldine Baker, whom I've heard sing for the first time thanks to this CD collection.
But I neglect to tell you about the most spectacular part of the exhibition. The grand showroom under the stars,. Not literally of course. As you enter the room first you see railing to your right, as if you have walked onto the deck on a beautifully clear and calm day. This is where you take the mandatory selfie to prove that one was there. You quickly skim through the presentation of the deck chairs from different eras. One of which is from the fateful Titanic, so you do a double take. And then, and then you enter the starry sky. Full glamour and splendour of the '30's and '50's dresses and tuxedos on display. Sumptuous fabrics, glittering accents and band music playing in the background. You're fully immersed and feel like you could reach out and touch the past. I'm still in awe. If I were not with a friend, I would have stayed there for far longer. By this point I was walking taller, I guess something to do with the social forms of the times. I knew that when I would get home I would dig out my flapper inspired dress and pretend that I had a social dinner to go to.
My oldie but goldie Jigsaw dress.
Upon leaving, you would think that you couldn't top that wondrous feeling, well you would be wrong. If you had the slightest interest in the history of the Titanic and it's tragic voyage, you would be interested in the artefact that was presented in the final room. A piece of history, a carved wooden panel from one of the grander saloons from the Titanic. Presented as if it were floating atop of water right after the shipwreck. A photograph was showcased to show the possible position above an entrance door. Oh how I wanted to reach out and feel history with my hands. Naturally I didn't but the feeling was there none-the-less. Awe turned to sadness as I was leaving the exhibition. So many lives lost, which could have been prevented. But mistakes were made, and learned from. Everything was going against the Titanic as soon as it was name Titanic.
On this sombre note I will end this entry. However I will not leave without saying that I would definitely love to visit the exhibition again, and would recommend it to anyone that asked me about what should they do on their day out in London. I'm seriously considering becoming a V&A member again.
Vogue cover poster could be purchased at the V&A shop for £10. size: 11x14 inches
