Brochure about the artists who worked on the interiors of SS MARIPOSA SS MONTEREY
Maker
Matson Lines
(American, founded 1882)
Date1957 - 1960
Object number00018283
NameBooklet
MediumInk, card
DimensionsOverall: 157 x 230 mm, 3 mm, 0.043 kg
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection
Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionBooklet titled 'SS MARIPOSA SS MONTEREY' produced by Matson Line. It contains seventeen short biographies of artists and designers who worked on the interiors of the Matson Line vessels MARIPOSA and MONTEREY. Each biography has a photograph of the artist at work or with some of their artwork. HistoryMatson Line had very specific ideals when constructing the MARIPOSA and MONTEREY. In addition to the level of luxury passengers had come to expect from the company, Matson employed a number of artists to create unique works for both ships. This book captures Matson's concept and each artist's unique skills sets.
"The goal set for the new liners was to produce an atmosphere of Polynesian Romanticism, in which the dominant ingredients of relaxation and comfort neutralize the demands of the work-a-day world.
With the world to choose from, the Matson Navigation Company set about to accomplish it's purpose among artists most talented in the required art forms. Those with national reputations in media of expression ranging from mosaics to tooled leather were commissioned to create the colour and culture of the South Pacific.
Altogether 763 pieces of artwork from 23 artists have gone into the ships. The inspiration has gone into this floating gallery of art has come from the fascinating islands where the ships call. Thee same lands furnished the flamboyant backgrounds which inspired such immortal paintings as those of Gaugin."
SignificanceThe booklet mentions that the ships were decorated with 763 original artworks by 23 artists as well as Maori artefacts purchased by the Matson Line.
1950-1980
