Transport Torque: Jonathan Quayle - Designs on an ocean liner Queen - the RMS Queen Mary

A look at the golden age of ocean liners (to coincide with our Classic Grille Night)

Location: Brabazon Restaurant, Beaulieu, Hampshire
Date: 15 April 2026
Time: 7pm - 9pm

Join ocean liner expert Jonathan Quayle as he gives a fascinating exploration of the new Cunarder, the RMS Queen Mary, as she appeared when new in 1936, following the route of the original press tour held in Southampton. During the talk tour the principal First Class public spaces and examine the principal works of art onboard.

Jonathan Quayle has been an avid enthusiast of majestic ocean liners and historic royal yachts since an early age, growing up in the port town of Southampton. He has spent much of his leisure time hunting down the precious objects and practical artefacts that sailed the seas onboard and as part of the fabric of these vessels.

His hobby has now grown into a business; “The Purser’s Locker.” Many of the items Jonathan sells and avidly collects once graced the great ocean-going ships operated by Cunard, White Star and French Lines, whilst others hail from the Royal yachts which served the Royal Family and household from the 1870s up until 1997.

Jonathan is currently writing a book on RMS Queen Mary as well as conducting other Ocean Liner research projects. He regularly lectures on the topics of Ocean Liners and Royal Yacht histories.

Tickets £15 (£7.50 for Friends of the National Motor Museum)

Tickets available soon.