The 115,000-tonne ship can carry 3.600 passenger and will be staffed by 1,200 crew. It is 290m (317yds) in length, which makes it longer than Tower Bridge and has 15 passenger decks.
| The P&O Cruise ship Ventura was
launched on 16th April 2008 by Dame Helen Mirren. The 115,000-tonne ship can carry 3.600 passenger and will be staffed by 1,200 crew. It is 290m (317yds) in length, which makes it longer than Tower Bridge and has 15 passenger decks.
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In all there are about 7,000 pieces of modern art onboard. To achieve this P&O joined with Tate Modern and also had works specifically commissioned for the ship.
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The commissioned paintings were for the waterside Restaurant which is the Ventura's main food court and is styled around a New England Theme. In a recent interview for a magazine article about the paintings John said "The coastline of S.W France has continued to hold a fascination for me. The vast Gironde estuary stretches out to the wild Atlantic coast, on its way providing a safe haven for small fishing boats, sustaining a way of life which enables communities to thrive alongside the modern port of Bordeaux. Part sheltered, part exposed around its NW point, Isle D’Oleron provides the source of inspiration for these paintings. Oyster boats harbour in the port, small fishing huts nestle alongside the inner harbour waterways, reflected in the deep and shallow water in the intense sunlight." |
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The images below show some of the paintings that made up the commission. These are large works with the smallest painting measuring 180cm x 200cm and the largest 180 cm x 400cm
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The waterside commission has been the basis and inspiration for a series of another nine works some of which will be exhibited in St Emillion from June 18th until the end of September 2010
For further details and information about Ventura cruises visit the Ventura website
