Welcome back to Theimagebanks and in this special edition the inspiration comes from the wonderful visit of the Three Queens of the Cunard shipping line, celebrating a 175 years. From the three Graces of Liverpool who stand on guard over the Liverpool’s waterfront a warm home coming was given to the three Queens.
175 YEARS
The visit of these three iconic and luxurious cruise ships to the city of Liverpool was certainly a once in a life time event for many people young and old alike. And many old connections and reunions were rekindled and new bonds were forged during the three days of celebrations. As always the river Mersey was once again the centre of attention as the world media descended to witness this spectacular event. The centre piece in the crown of the Cunard fleet is The Queen Mary 2 and her two sisters, The Queen Victoria and The Queen Elizabeth. For those who didn’t get a change to see these cruise ships they are in fact floating hotels oozing out sheer luxury that’s synonymous with the Cunard Line. The ships are so big that they dwarf the buildings on the waterfront. So the scene was set and on all sides of the river Mersey as people gathered in eager anticipation. The smaller ships buzzed up and down and raced around them with sheer excitement and in awe as they sailed into the Liverpool Bay.
Theimagebanks All Rights Reserved © 2015 Edition 5
LIVER BIRDS
The historical links that the city of Liverpool and the Cunard shipping line have go right back to 1839 when Samuel Cunard was awarded the first British trans-Atlantic steamship mail contract. With Robert Napier, the famous Scottish engineer, in 1840 the British and North American Royal Mail Steam Packet Company was formed and they designed and operated four pioneer paddle steamers from Liverpool to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. From that point in time for thirty years they held the prestige “Blue Riband” award for the fastest Atlantic sea voyages and as time marched on by the 1870’s they lost ground to the White Star line. So rich tapestry of events and the 175th celebrations and only demonstrates the sheer depth of love and affection the people of Liverpool have towards this company. And just like Liverpool this company has over the many years had to reinvent itself, adapt to change in order to survive the economic depressions, the wars and even technological changes. It is with great pleasure and in keeping with Theimagebanks tradition we’ll let the photo’s tell you the story and hope that you enjoy the photographs in this fifth edition.
WELCOME
ALL SHIPS DOCK AT
HOME
LIVERPOOL
PIERMASTER
THE ALBERT DOCK
RAISE THE FLAGS
SETTING A NEW COURSE!!
ON THE WATER
THEIMAGEBANKS
Theimagebanks Reserve All Rights Š 2015 The Three Queens Edition 5
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