Shaw Savill Lines Q.S.M.V. "DOMINION MONARCH" Britain's most powerful Motor Vessel

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 71, 25 March 1939, Page 21

Shaw Savill Lines Q.S.M.V. "DOMINION MONARCH" Britain's most powerful Motor Vessel

The Smoke Room undoubtedly one of the most popular, parts of the " DOMINION MONARCH " will be the Smoke Room, where Devotees of my Lady Nicotine will be able to repair with the fragrant weed when so disposed. This room is situated on the lounge deck and is "period" in design, recalling the picturesque days of the sixteenth century and the rugged splendour of an old Tudor 'mansion. An inglenook— pictured on the left —is faced in rough plaster. The broad stone chimney piece, \ the raised hearth of red brick, the cosy corner seats — all are beautifully displayed against the silver-grey oak of the panelling. There is no doubt about it that the Inglenook will always be a popular corner with its oldworld charm. The ceiling is oak-beamed with painted plaster panels at the port and starboard sides, lit by electric light fittings of suitable design. Tapestries, Persian rugs and other carefully chosen furnishings, aided by the large bay mullioned windows on both sides of the room .provide a wealth of colour and interest which is considerably augmented by shields of coats of arms and by the inner windows of lead-tinted glass with its many heraldic devices. Often when far frdm land it will be difficult to imagine that one is on the high seas and not in an old British mansion.

Drawing Room Here an entirely different atmosphere has been achieved (see below), giving an impression of charm and simplicity. Practically all the port side of the Drawing Room is devoted to window space. Here one can know the real meaning of repose. The matt off-white finish of the perfectly,,flush panelling provides an ideal background for the marvellous mural paintings executed in the Grissaile manner in a greyish-green monochrome by Mr. F. A. Staynes, well-known artist. The most original feature is a moulded green glass chimney - piece, picturesquely set in a large, brilliant, cut grey mirror, flanked by ribbed pilasters.

The LoUnge On the right is illustrated a vista 6f the commodious lounge, 73 feet long and 58 feet wide, flanked on the outboard sides by four magnificent bay windows the full height of the room. Concealed lighting adequately illuminates the lounge by night. The general panelling is of Canadian block elm veneer of unique interest, as it has been submerged for over a hundred years in the pilings supporting the Waterloo Bridge, London. Bearing in mind that this is the centre of social life on the vessel, the furniture is of ample proportions and has beeh carefully selected. Imposing curtains and specially designed hand-made carpets cover the whole floor and give the final touches of comfort. The entire decorative scheme blends together to give a dignified and .unostentatious effect, which never fails to. attract, and*please. The main feature of interest in this handsome room is the large panel. by the late Mr. Duncan Carse, famous, artist. The theme portrayed is "speed," depicting the cliffs and scenery of England at one end and extending across the water to the other side where New Zealand flora is portrayed. Symbolic figures represent the sun, moon, north wind, south wind, sound, light and electricity — a masterpiece of modernistic treatment.

Suites pRh^RMHMBS ub JLOUX6 There are two types of Suites de luxe consisting of sitting room, bedroom, lobby and bathroom and are situated on the promenade deck. See the illustration on the left and right. Plain walls, painted in pastel shades, are relieved by very decorative handwrought metalwork. The deep pile carpets provide an admirable ground for the furniture and fabrics. Okoumi furniture, luxurious window seats and easy chairs make the sitting rooms the essence of comfort. The bedrooms with twin bedsteads and distinctive furniture and other fitments of the most modern character combine the essentials of grace and utility. Concealed lighting is one of the appreciated features of the Suites de luxe.

Palffl COUrt The beautiful P^ |Gcnirt~ilitosti|t^l below — is conveniently situated oh the '\px6mettide}<db!tk!'&iiii extends practically the full width of the ship. From large wihdowi* on three sides of the Court, passengers cart obtainl !.aa\ excellent view ahead. At the after end a Cocktail Bar in white syc^mor«!| with inlaid design gives an added air of gaiety to this comfortably furnished room, and will undoubtedly be the scene pf^mahy/a happy rendezvous. A-cold cupboard is oneof the many features of this section of Palm Court. The whole of the wall surface, between the windows as well as the after end have been tastefully decorated with attractive mural paintings, which depict many beautiful tropical scenes — the work of the celebratedviaftist. Miss Yeoman. The white sycamore nibtif of the Cocktail'; Bar is reflected in the doors, pillars, and window framesV and adds an artistic note to this.'cosy part'of the.vessel..,' the p^ahnsi and plants' whiclv grace the Court easy ;cniairs and settees have been provided for about ioo persons. — -..--_. ,x-. -,"

IE CHILDREN'S PLAY ROOM j^^^B Childreris^Bl^^^y.^} Here is one of the happiest parts sofr the ship, v The decorated walls with humourous figure^; and animals, the gaily decorated cane furniture and array of toys make this ; a most attractive room for young ones. Adjoining the Play Room is the Children's Dining Room which seats over 30 children. These rooms are flanked on the port side by a'deck set aside for children only. This deck is railed off and specially protected. Everything, possible has been done to make this a really thrilling Play Ground* - ; ; ;