I can only hope it looks like this!
The Normandie (pictured left) is one in a collection of six images capturing the beauty, eloquence, majesty and historical significance in each of the six main ships from The French Transit Line's History - Les Grands Paquebots!
The exquisite Collection of Les Grands Paquebots were:
LA TOURAINE, 1891 - In 1886, a new ship was ordered from the shipyard of penhoet, 'La Touraine'. She was to be used for the New York run. On June 20, 1891, La Touraine left Le Havre for New York on her maiden voyage. She arrived on the 27th, having crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 7 days, 4 hours, a performance that was improved on with subsequent trips. This accomplishment took The Atlantic Blue Ribbon, a symbol of the fastest speed on the North Atlantic, away from the English fleet.
FRANCE, 1912 - Intended to replace 'Ile de France' and the 'Liberte' on the New York run, the purchase order for this ship was signed on July 25, 1956. Construction started October 7, 1957 on the same dry dock the ship 'Normandie' was built. This would be the last time a ship was built in St. Nazaire.
The President of the French Republic attended the ship's christening held on May 11, 1960.
During the crossings of August 16 & August 27, 1963, the France beat its own records of passengers transported, 1992 going and 2044 returning for a total of 4036 persons.
On Novemer 8th, 1968, at 1:30am, GMT, the France had travelled one million miles.
PARIS, 1921 - The ship 'Paris' commenced being built at the shipyard in 1913. Three years later, service began on September 12, 1916. On June 15, 1921, the Paris sailed on its inaugural trip to New York. In May 26, 1923, a movie house was set up on board.
By 1930, the 'Paris' leaves the fleet.
DE GRASSE, 1924 - The De Grasse made its first voyage from Le Havre to New York on August 28, 1927. The ship was completely refurbished in 1945, changing its passenger capacity to 360 in First Class and 360 in Cabin Class. On July 12, 1947, service between Le Havre and New York is resumed. On March 28, 1963, the De Grasse is sold to Canadian Pacific.
NORMANDIE, 1935 - The building of the Normandie began in the shipyards of St. Nazaire in January 1931 in the midst of the American economic crisis. One of its assured characteristics were 5-day crossings. Very luxurious decorations were commissioned to the best decorators. A grandiose inauguration took place in Le Havre on May 29, 1935, attended by the President of the French Republic. 1070 passengers were aboard the first voyage to North America. After a port-of-call in Southampton, the Normandie arrived in New York on June 3 doing an average speed of 29.94 knots.
A triumphal welcome awaited the Normandie upon arrival on the Hudson River. Two awards were presented to 'Cie. Gle. Transatlantique' for the longest and fastest ship ever afloat. The return trip from New York to Le Havre with 1494 passengers on board took place on June 7th and the average speed was 30.31 knots. The Normandie was awarded the Blue Ribbon. When WWII started, the Normandie had made 135 crossings, transporting approximately 135,000 passengers.
On February 9, 1942, in New York, a fire started on board. Under the weight of the water used to extinguish the fire, the ship capsized.
ILE DE FRANCE, 1949 - Departs Le Havre, at 4:10 pm on September 2, 1939, only to return on June 30, 1949 to Southampton where it arrives the same day at 9:15pm. Leaves this port June 3 at 5:05am (a few hours prior to declaration of war) and arrives in New York, September 9, 1939 with 1777 passengers aboard. After some transformation, the Ile De France departs New York, May 1, 1940 for Marseille with approximately 2200 tons of freight, including 28 airplanes and arrives in Marseille May 10, 1940. Following additional transformation, the Ile De France departs Marseille May 31st for Indochina via Dakar and the Cape to fetch Indochinese workers. However, on the way from the Cape to Saigon, the ship is advised in the middle of the Indian Ocean that the Armistice was signed and decides to change course toward Singapore when it arrives June 30, 1940.
On July 19, 1940, the Ile De France was requisitioned by the British government. From 1944 on, after some modernization in New York, the Ile De France is used as a troop carrier.
On September 19, 1945, a French crew takes possession of the ship which continues to navigate the orders of the Transport of War Ministry bringing troops back from Europe to their country of Origin.
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Now immortalized in one very special Classic Collection of placemats and coasters, these images of each of Les Grands Paquebots not only capture the majesty and eloquence of a different era in travel, together as a collection, they also capture the history of shipbuilding as well as sharing a piece in the history of the world.
The French Line deliciously epitomized the 'French Way of Life' luxury, art and voluptuousness. Gastronomy was the order of the day, yet these ships also served an important role in World War II.
Only 2000 coaster sets and fewer than 1300 placemat sets were made for private distribution by the French Line Transit Company as promotional giveaways and Holiday Gifts in 1991. These were never sold at retail, and as such are Highly Collectible, only occasionally turning up at select antique auctions or shops having a previous connection with The French Line.
Just a few sets now remain from the original production, and, once again, by special arrangement with the original producers of this collection, Spanek Enterprises www.spanek.com, The Art Marketer is able to offer the few remaining sets at a special price to the right party. Once sold, they will not be replaced, making these sets that much more valued and collectible.
The Collection would be most at home in a Maritime Museum, historical society, antique shop, Corporate Maritime Collection, or with a private collector or dealer having a strong interest in Maritime Art and History. But we would be willing to entertain interest and offers from other parties as well.
For more information, please contact The Art Marketer at 914.907.9842 or email: lisa@theartmarketer.com.
