Hampshire Heritage
Historic painting unveiled
This is the painting that will belong to the people of Southampton as a lasting reminder of perhaps the greatest liner the port has seen in its long history.
Southampton's future generations who view the impressive painting will gaze upon a powerful piece of art depicting the last true, British-built ocean liner in all her glory.
The ship's mighty bow, that has faced the worst of sea conditions, soars above the waves while a small flotilla of yachts, harbour launches and motor boats is dwarfed by the immense size of the liner.
Looking carefully they will see the graceful lines and distinctive funnel which, when the ship was launched in 1967, set her apart from all previous liners, a fact that endures even to this day.
The work, by renowned marine artist, Robert Lloyd, who formerly lived on the Isle of Wight, shows Cunard's Queen Elizabeth 2 as she makes her way along Southampton Water proudly flying the long, trailing paying-off pennant that traditionally signals the end of a ship's sea-going career.
Commissioned by Cunard, the painting, which was officially unveiled by the Queen when she visited the liner last Monday, will be the company's gift to Southampton and its people recalling that the city was QE2's home for nearly 40 years.
Later this year QE2 will take her final bow on the city's waterfront, where she has become such a familiar and well-loved sight over the decades.
On Tuesday, November 11, she will bid a final farewell to Southampton and make a one-way voyage to Dubai where she will be turned into a floating hotel and tourist attraction.
Robert's work, now keenly sort after by collectors around the world, has a reputation for not only being visually stunning but technically accurate.
11:09am Thursday 5th June 2008
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