Published by Antiques Trade Gazette

Synonymous with luxury and style, the Normandie epitomised the Art Deco era.

Built at Saint Nazaire in France, the transatlantic liner was launched at the height of the Deco era in 1935 with many names in this design movement, such as Jean Dunand, Jean Dupas and Raymond Subes, collaborating on the interior décor. A thousand guests attended an opening soiree on the eve of the departure for its maiden voyage. World events meant the Normandie’s glory days were relatively short-lived, however.