Inside RMS Queen Mary (1934)

Interiors

A committee had been established to determine her style of decoration, paying particular attention to American tastes because it was seen that there would be many American passengers travelling to Europe. Over thirty artists contributed to the design of the interiors.

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The First Class Verandah Grill was one of the most important dining rooms for passengers who wanted to dine in an intimate atmosphere. Doris Zinkeisen, a well-known theatrical and film costume designer, designed all the murals and all furniture coverings. The room had a black carpet with deep red velvet curtains with stars embroidered on it. The theme in the room was entertainment. In the evening, by way of a special lighting effect, the lights changed colours to reflect the entertainment.

The Main Restaurant was a magnificent room and was as wide as the ship. It was thirty feet high and 160 feet long. 14 wooden carvings depicted the history of ships by Bainbridge Copnall were along the walls. Designed by Macdonald Gill, there was a decorative map which showed the actual position of the Queen Mary as she crossed the Atlantic. The Queen Elizabeth had the similar map.

A painting by Philip Connard entitled “Merrie England”, hung on the opposite wall to the Gill Map. It depicted English scenes such as hunt scenes and coaches and horses.

Private parties could be held in one of the four small private dining rooms situated next door to the Main Restaurant. Each dining room had a different style and contained original artwork.

The Starboard and Long Galleries were decorated with original art pieces including Algernon Newton’s “Evening on the Avon” as seen in the picture below.

The First Class (or Cabin Class before the Second World War) Children's Playroom was located on the starboard side of the Promenade Deck corridor leading up to the Observation Bar. As seen in the picture below, it had a good assortment of toys including a slide and an aquarium.