In the decade following WW2, transatlantic passenger traffic was again booming. One of the most remarkable new vessels of this era was the US flagship, SS United States. Designed by William Francis Gibbs to serve as passenger liner or troopship, her fame was due mainly to her incredibly high speed. Rated at over 240,000 SHP, United States was the fastest liner ever built. On her maiden voyage in 1952, she took the coveted Blue Riband from Cunard's Queen Mary. To this day, this honour remains hers with a top speed officially recorded at 38.32 knots. Some claim the ship was capable of much higher speeds, possibly even up to 45 knots.
For several years, the United States enjoyed the popularity expected of the world's fastest liner. But high speed comes at a price and with jet airliners enticing ever more passengers away from the ships, ironically, the United States' phenomenal speed effectively contributed to her premature demise. With increasing fuel costs she became, like many of her contemporaries, unprofitable. Despite government subsidy, it became evident the liner's career began just a little late in the day and, sadly, by 1969 her operational days were over. Since her retirement in 1969, the SS United States was laid up in the Port of Philadelphia awaiting refurbishment. Sadly, in 2024, it was announced that due to her eviction from the Port, she was to be towed to the Gulf of Mexico then sunk to become the world''s largest artificial underwater reef. Here she will become home to diverse undersea life while attracting divers to explore the giant vessel as she sits on the sea-bed.
Privately commissioned for a Hungarian client, Gordon Bauwens' oil painting features SS United States departing New York circa 1960 at the start of an eastbound Atlantic crossing. This highly detailed image is now faithfully reproduced as museum quality Giclee art prints for our customers. Printed using inks with a light-fast rating of 75+ years on heavy Hahnemuhle watercolour paper, this highly-collectable artist-signed Limited Edition comprises only 150 prints + 10 Artist Proofs.
GB Marine Art will donate 10 US Dollars for each print sale to the SSUS Conservancy towards their planned state-of-the-art land-based museum. The SS United States Experience will use preserved ship artefacts and advanced technology to help visitors explore and experience the majesty of America's legendary flagship.