Linley Artwork to be Major Feature on Cunard's New Queen Elizabeth

LONDON, May 20, 2010 - Cunard ships, while among the most modern afloat, are known
for their traditional luxury, accentuated by extensive use of brass, classic
fabrics, marble and highly polished woods and veneers.

So the interior of Cunard's new Queen Elizabeth posed a
particular challenge for designers deciding how to treat the significant
central arched space on the sweeping staircase leading up from the main deck
in the ship's soaring Grand Lobby, the first area to greet embarking
passengers.

Cunard's President and Managing Director, Peter Shanks, says:

"We needed to fill that space with a decorative screen which
would not just be dramatic, a 'wow' factor in an area already full of 'wow',
but which would also reflect our emphasis on traditional and sumptuous
materials. After much thought and exploratory work, it was decided to
commission a 5.6-metre (18 ft 6 in) high marquetry panel depicting the
original Queen Elizabeth, an Art Deco icon, using a variety of natural woods
from around the world.

"Once we had decided on the theme and the medium, it didn't
take us long to conclude that no-one was better qualified for this detailed
but monumental work than the company of the exceptional craftsman David
Linley, whose creative ability and mastery of wood is renowned."

As a result, Linley, a company specialising in the design and
manufacture of fine furniture and marquetry was commissioned to design and
make this stunning centrepiece at the heart of the ship. Work is currently
under way, and the completed panel will be shipped during the summer to the
Fincantieri shipyard at Monfalcone, Italy, where it will be installed over a
period of four days to take pride of place just before the ship enters
service in October.

The magnificent artwork shows the port bow of the original
Queen Elizabeth seen dramatically from sea level, and is intricately executed
using the technique of marquetry inlay in nine different types of wood
veneers. Spanning 21/2 decks, the panel is made up of nine panels seamlessly
jointed to lightweight board. The marquetry panel features Madrona, Indian
ebony, American walnut, grey ripple sycamore, burr ash, bird's eye maple,
satin walnut , ash, burr walnut and Macassar ebony - all used to depict the
evocative image of Queen Elizabeth.

Commenting on the challenges faced by the bespoke commission,
Linley's Chairman, David Linley, who founded the company in 1985, says:

"Though we have made fittings for luxury yachts in the past,
this is the first sea-going work we have done on this scale - it is certainly
the largest screen we have ever made - but it was a commission I was
delighted to accept. I recall my father saying the interior design on
Cunard's Queen Elizabeth 2 made one proud to be British, so I am hoping our
achievement on the new Queen Elizabeth will make him - and others - equally
proud".

Queen Elizabeth will be the second largest Cunarder ever built
and will join her sisters Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria as part of the
youngest fleet in the world. She will feature many unique Cunard traditions
linking her with her sisters and their predecessors, together with all the
modern day luxuries Cunard's passengers have come to expect. There will also
be features that will give the vessel her own style and personality.

The first Queen Elizabeth was one of Cunard's greatest ships,
and the new Queen Elizabeth will reflect her predecessor in interior
grandeur, décor and style, but with a modern twist.

From the outside, her distinctive black and red livery will
hint at an experience that differentiates a Cunard liner from a modern-day
cruise ship. This will be most evident in the ship's adherence to liner
traditions, with elegant double and triple height public rooms on a grand
scale, luxuriously endowed with rich wood panelling, intricate mosaics,
hand-woven carpets, gleaming chandeliers, and cool marbles. Art Deco features
will pay homage to the original Queen Elizabeth, and will allow the new ship
to reflect a more civilized era of travel.

Queen Elizabeth will depart on her Maiden Voyage on Tuesday 12
October 2010. This 13-night celebration will leave from the company's home
port, Southampton, and will call at Vigo, Lisbon, Cadiz, Las Palmas, Santa
Cruz de Tenerife (overnight call) and Funchal.

Note to Editors:

A picture accompanying this release is available through the PA
Photowire. It can be downloaded from www.pa-mediapoint.press.net or
viewed at www.mediapoint.press.net or www.prnewswire.co.uk

For Further PRESS Information: Cunard, Eric Flounders, Public Relations Manager: +44(0)207-940-5390, eric.flounders at cunard.co.uk, Michael Gallagher, Public Relations Executive: +44(0)207-940-5391, michael.gallagher at cunard.co.uk, Linley, Christina MacMillan, Marketing Director +44(0)207-824-7211, cmacmillan at davidlinley.com