First Class on R.M.S. AquitaniaThere can be no more fitting preparation for the intelligent enjoyment of the art galleries, the ancient landmarks, and the old-world mansions of England than a careful examination of the treasures to be found on the Aquitania, in the arrangement of which taste and dignity play an equally important part. Aquitania was distinguished by the rare beauty of her interiors, the inspiration for which was drawn directly from the great houses of England, representing the best of every age of English architectural history. This Old World elegance remained endearing to her First Class passengers, who found themselves surrounded by the art and society of Europe afloat on the North Atlantic.
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When the "stranger within our gates", who has had the good fortune to travel by the Aquitania, happens to pass through Fitzroy Square, or look on the screen before the Admiralty in White-Hall, or admire the fine façades of the mansions in Portland Place, he will be forcible reminded of the Adam drawing-room of the Ship Beautiful. "The Ship Beautiful: Art and the Aquitania"; 1914
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No sooner is the threshold of the great central hall of the Aquitania crossed, that you realise the consummate taste and extraordinary skill with which this marvellous reproduction of some state apartment of the time of William and Mary has been contrived and carried out. "The Ship Beautiful: Art and the Aquitania"; 1914
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Amongst the most popular features available to Aquitania's First Class passengers were the Garden Lounges located on either side of A-deck. A Garden Lounge was fitted on both the port and starboard sides directly overlooking the sea and extending across the length of the Entrance Hall, Salons, and Palladian Lounge. These airy apartments were decorated to resemble sheltered old gardens, providing passengers with a space to enjoy the view of the passing ocean whilst taking refreshments and engaging in light conversation. The walls were fitted with trellises made from natural teak and treated to give the appearance of stonework.
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Amidships on A-deck, connecting the Palladian Lounge with the Smoking Room, stretched an impressive corridor one-hundred-and-fifty feet in length. This arcade was known as the 'Long Gallery' or 'Historic Gallery' and it combined the various functions of a connecting corridor, an art gallery, and an additional lounging space. The walls of this apartment were painted in soft green and fitted with large sash windows providing expansive views over the promenade deck and the sea beyond it. The flooring consisted of black and white tiling reminiscent of the Orangeries of seventeenth century mansions.
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Complementing the service in the Restaurant, First Class passengers could alternatively decide to dine in the smaller Grill Room, accessed down a corridor at the aft end of the Restaurant itself. This facility was not considered to be a separate restaurant and the same menu was therefore adopted in both rooms. However, the Grill Room provided an altogether more intimate alternative to the main Restaurant. It was particularly designed to appeal to passengers wishing to order meals from the grill which was located adjacent to this room and connected by a corresponding service hatch and buffet table situated against the starboard bulkhead.
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