MODERN EFFECTS

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21577, 13 September 1935, Page 21

MODERN EFFECTS

FURNISHINGS FOR NEW STEAMER UNUSUAL DESIGN FOR SALOON LIBRARY Simplicity, which could be called modern only in that no definite period or traditional detail has been follov/ed, is the keynote of the decorative scheme for the first saloon and tourist class public rooms of the Peninsular and Oriental Company'a new twin-screw steamer, Stratfamore (24,000 tons). Fine veneers and attractively designed central features have been especially used to obtain light and yet comfortable effect in the rooms. i A large needlework tapestry panel of the Castle of Glamis against a background of the Grampian Mountains is the central feature of the first saloon dining room oh "F* deck. The surround and panelling generally are in bleached soft-toned Nigerian cherry and cool brown walnut has been used for bandings. Window glazing is in amber glass and is flood-lit To use centre of the saloon the roof has been raised to introduce a painted ceiling of interlacing bands and moulded coverings. Against a floor covered in quietly tinted rubber, the lighting brings everything together to give the necessary air of well-being. There is seating accommodation for 258 passengers. Ventilation, on the air-con-ditioned principle, maintains equable temperature in all climates. The Library Glazed doors of square panel in carved and moulded design lead to the library and writing room, which is panelled in figured ash and figured French walnut. An arresting point is the unusual shape which the curve of bridge front determined. This suggestion of curvature is followed out by large bow windows at port and starboard. These are part of the lay-out of the room, as they form the semicircular sides. The ceiling rises from them in a series of covings, giving the room it 3 graceful shape. Writing tables, both fitted and loose, are conveniently situated, as are the lounge chairs and settees. "Marina" green is the most prominent furnishing colour. Lounge and Dancing Space Rich blue carpets and floor coverings, with relieving silver and grey; brown and gold panelling, and a silvered central coachrrootf t give aa effect of great spaciousness to the lounge hall. Comfortable furniture is provided throughout the space, and much attention has been given to grouping. The panelling is carried out in Empire timbers—finely figured Australian walnut, Canadian maple, and various bandings of Indian hardwoods.

Dancing space aft of the lounge is treated very simply. The casings forward and aft, and the flush ceilings, are a soft ivory shade. Pull' height hinged, glazed screens enclose the sides, so that ihe space is of advantage in all weathers, especially since heating is installed. Vestibules open aft from the dancing space to a verandah cafe. Here, coloured motifs and Staybrite steel are used for decoration, together with bandings of blackwood. An American bar has a wide front of modern design in chestnut and blackwood. The furniture is in sycamore, teakwood, and cane. On the "C* deck there is an open-air verandah cafe in a sheltered recess. The vice-regal and de luxe suites are panelled in figured veneers of sycamore, maple, bleached Nigerian cherry, and French walnut. Tourist Accommodation

, Freely contrasted colours and veneered panellings have been used to decorate the tourist class public rooms. The dining saloon shows oak and walnut happily blended, the walnut being used as bariding to contrast with the brown of the oak. Arm-chairs are arranged at tables lor four, six, or eight persons; in all there is accommodation for 332 people. A smokingroom is panelled in English brown oak veneer which gives an effect of solidity while maintaining the modern character oi the work throughout. The lounge is in weathered sycamore and walnut enhanced by shades of old xose and coral in the fabrics. While there is no children's dining room, as there is in the first saloon, there is a nursery panelled especially to interest * children. A verandah cafe is panelled in light sycamore with spaced panels of ivory white. Large windows give to the dancing space. The decoration of both classes has been carried out to the design and supervision of Messrs A. Mclimes Gardner and Partners, of Glasgow, by Messrs Waring and Gillow (1932), Ltf, London. The dance spaces and the verandah on "D" deck, however, are the work of the shipbuilders.