Whiskey & Wagers - The Commodore Club by Elysia Gilman

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Artist spotlight: Elysia Gilman

This International Artists Day, we’re proud to showcase artist and Cunarder Elysia Gilman, and how her longlasting love and familial ties to Cunard have shaped her artistic vision.

3 min 25 Oct 2024

Cunard

Author

Introducing Elysia Gilman

Born and raised in North Wales, Elysia Gilman is an artist specialising in portraits, figurative work, and scenes from everyday life. Primarily working in oils, she captures moments in time, drawing inspiration from her memories and experiences of cruising for this new project.

After leaving school in 2018 and completing the foundation phase of a Fine Art Degree, she launched her own art business in response to the disruptions caused by the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020. She later completed her studies at the Realist Academy of Art and now splits her practice between commissions and original work.

Elysia first became a Cunarder at just 13 months old, sailing on Queen Elizabeth 2, and ever since then sailing with Cunard has become a family tradition. These holidays went on to inspire her paintings capturing the timeless elegance of our ships and her cherished memories on board.

Elysia Gilman painting 'Sailing into Blue Skies'

Exhibitions and TV appearances

Featured twice on Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Week - 2020
Appeared on ITV Wales’ Backstage and BBC Breakfast News - 2022
A painting displayed on a digital billboard in Times Square, New York -2022
Royal Cambrian Academy Open Art Exhibition - 2022

Awards and achievements

1st prize in the national MOMA Machynlleth Tabernacle Art Competition - 2017
Hotel-themed series reposted by The Savoy and Claridge’s on social media - 2021, 2024
Selected to be one of the National Gallery’s 200 Creators - 2024
Painting awarded an honourable mention by The Portrait Society of America in The Future Generation Competition - 2024

Steps Towards the Night by Elysia Gilman

Elysia's history with Cunard

"My family’s love for Cunard began long before I was born. My grandparents caught the ‘cruising bug’ after their first voyage on the QE2 in 1998, and my own journey started at just 13 months old on that same iconic ship in 2001. Growing up, Cunard became a part of our family tradition, with us returning year after year to enjoy unforgettable holidays on board.

"Over time, we have come to know the staff, and every trip truly feels like coming home. A special memory for me was being invited by Captain Nick Bates to sound the horn on the QM2—a gesture that followed our family’s friendship with him, sparked by the drawings I sent him as a child.

"Cunard’s signature White Star Service and elegant atmosphere shaped my formative years, and even as a child, I would sketch my experiences whilst on board, reflecting the day’s adventures before dinner."

Elysia's first cruise aged 13 months on board Queen Elizabeth 2

"When I launched my art business in 2020, it was clear to me that I wanted to create a series of paintings inspired by my time cruising with Cunard. My goal was to capture the timeless elegance of Cunard ships and the cherished memories I have made on board.

"The classic style and heritage of Cunard have been a major influence on my work, and during my last cruise, I organised photoshoots with family and friends to help bring my vision to life.

"Through my paintings, I hope to evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection, allowing viewers to reflect on their own experiences while also sharing my personal journey.

"Beyond that, I am passionate about sharing the Cunard experience with a new generation—helping younger audiences discover the magic of cruising that has been such a meaningful part of my life and my family’s treasured memories."

Cunard brings artistic flair on every voyage, thanks to the Clarendon Art Galleries found on board each Cunard Queen. From the graffiti-inspired works of Mr Brainwash to the unusual scenes from Philip Gray, you can experience a rotating array of art from a variety of genres and mediums. On your next voyage, explore and learn about our curated collection of masterpieces with special seminars and events, or even purchase the perfect piece to be delivered to your home - no matter where you are in the world.