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When the hulk of this beautiful ship was sent for breaking, she was dismantled at Smith and Houston in Port Glasgow on the lower reaches of the river Clyde. My mother's family, who lived in Glasgow (which is about 21 miles from Port Glasgow), spent many holidays, trips, and visiting friends in Gourock, Greenock and other nearby towns to where she was being broken up. I remember her talking about this hauntingly beautiful ship, even in her ruinous condition, dwarfing the buildings on shore. There was an air of tragedy about her, for obvious reasons. Did she mention an acrid smell when the wind was onshore??? Thank you for a first-rate video.
I really don't think the ship is that beautiful but that's your opinion and it's completely fine but I didn't gain that much attraction but it's sad to see it be lot with four other french ships the normandie,layfayette,George Phillipar,and paris
I am reporting my mother's story, she having direct contact, as it were. Similarly, with the Clyde being a terminus for Cunard, Candian Pacific, Anchor Line's, inter alia, international services she would see a huge variety of shipping as a matter of course. Add to that the smaller vessels specialising in specific cargoes - perhaps with passenger accommodation as well. Locally, between the wars was a heyday of as many as forty coastal steamers, many paddle driven, servicing the many small villages on the sea lochs of the lower estuary and the Clyde was a wonderland of shipping. Her father (my grandfather) worked int he Head Office of Burns Laird in Glasgow, another company specialising in passenger and cargo routes to Northern Ireland and the Free State, as it was called at the time. Somewhere, in a drawer there is a ticket of admission to John Brown's yard at Clydebank in September 1938 to see the launch of the 'Queen Elizabeth'. As you say 'à chacun son goût'. Personally? She had a French elegance, skilfully designed by the naval architects who had to solve specific problems vis a vis shallow water at her South American termini.
@@TaT1CaL Seeing them in the flesh is quite different to a grainy black&white film. Nevertheless, some of the shots from above, in her better days, for a moment or two she could be mistaken for the Normandie; which in my view was the most beautiful ocean liner ever.
@@Alistair14 Did people start to think these ships were unsafe and not want to sail on them or did they think it wouldn't happen when they were sailing? I would have thought after two, it would have seemed risky, but then people sailed on modern cruise ships despite diseases sweeping through, so I don't know how optimistic they were about their own luck.
When I was six years old my father took me for a ride on the ferry Kalakala, which was another art deco masterpiece. It was based in Seattle and operated on Puget Sound from 1935 to 1967.
Thank you for your focus on this disaster. It is a frightening tale. Unfortunately, it was realized too late that the beautiful Art Deco furnishings and rugs made the fire spread. RIP for those who perished and their families.
I'd never heard of this ship until this video. She looked amazing--bonus because I adore art deco. Sickening that she only lasted a handful of voyages before being destroyed. Thank you so much for your amazing work! Always look forward to new videos. Be well!
L’Atlantique is a hidden gem, Art Deco wise and ship design wise. I don’t understand how people can call her hideous, when she has Art Deco that rivals the Normandie. Oh well, I guess people are entitled their own opinion. Nice video as always BOB!
It's her exterior ugh! I just can't with that design. The ship from the outside looks like it wants to fall over because it's too top heavy! Kinda like the Imperator or "Limperator." (Sorry! I had to.) From the inside though, L'Antlantique looks like heaven on earth.
I really don't think many ships are ugly. Same with cars. If the world was full of good looking or boring conservative designs just think how boring it would be.
The short stax R part of the 'motorship' vogue; even if you're not powered by the newfangled diesels, U can try 2 look the part. The Bauhaus form of Art Deco was meant 2 stir reaction in the observer. Her interior decor touxhed that point of perfection just below overbearing, a very sad loss
The L’Atlantique is one of the most under-appreciated, and underrated ship of all time. She was truly a beautiful ship, but sometimes even I have forgotten about her. Great video, I love to learn about new ships!
3:16 This A.M. Cassandre poster has been hanging in my living room for 20 years. I had not seen pictures of her interiors before. Amazing. Even more impressive than her contemporary Isle de France. Thank you for sharing the details of this beautiful but tragic liner.
Thank you for remembering the crew who were lost in this tragedy. I can't understand the decision to provide ventilation for a fire to grow; instead of starving the fire from air and area to spread. A beautiful lost gem. It certainly seems like France had a firebug demon among their ships. Just seems odd.
I knew of this story before your video but you fill in many gaps, go into much more detail, talk more of the human side of the story and ended with a memorial for the 19 crewmembers lost. Top notch, almost forgot-----great narration.
One of my 2 favorite Ocean Liners. Normandie is the other one. Her interiors were breathtaking. I'm so glad you made a video about her as when I mention her to others they just look at me with a 'vacant' expression. She's often overlooked due to Normandie's iconic status. I'm not a great fan of the Queen Mary or Queen Elizabeth. They just remind me of a 'Stuffy, Staid, Moldy, Old English Country House'. I love Art-Deco. Kudos to you and the work you do here. It's much appreciated by all of us.
I do wonder if both L’Atlantique and Normandie’s wide open first class spaces made them especially vulnerable. I’d love to see more footage of her - she appears to have very beautifully designed interiors.
Once again, I must praise the fact that this channel gives us the dimensions of these spaces, which is so important to understanding on a visceral level how big and grand they are.
The Art Flambeau liners with lacquered wood Of course for that era, one couldn't beat the HINDENBURG in which the outer covering was painted with what is used as solid rocket propellant.
@Dennis Wilson If the film of the burning is observed, it isn't as if the lifting cells are just burning and exhausting the burning hydrogen upward, the fire on the skin can be seen racing downward at a very rapid rate. Of course many fabrics eventually were treated with fire retardent chemicals which turned out to be carcinogens, neurotoxins and generated other health treats. Like on the ship there were asbestos curtains designed to create fire breaks which had their own problems. It's like you just can't win.
so based on this, a fire was detected on multiple decks, happened on a trip without passengers and the company was already struggling... and fought for the total write-off of the ship. hmmm burning art-deco is not the only thing that smells
Thank you, Kosh! Reading through the comments about this obvious work of arson with not a mention of the terrible crime involved, I was amazed how naïve the viewers were. And the narrator, too! So money people just sleep-walk through life.
@@johntechwriter I had a boss/mentour who called them 'Wandering generalities'. It is a phrase I have used for many many years, and is only more accurate over time
@@kai990 that's not true. Aesthetics are important. They change how we feel in a space. People literally travel a long way just to see a beautiful sight. Maybe people can live in an ugly world but it doesn't mean they will be as efficient as of thet were comfortable. I suppose not strictly necessary but helpful.
the superb interiors of such a ship ( that remind me somehow of the interior of the Versailles royal palace) would still amaze and inspire today's tourists already bored by common "casino-style" of many modern ships.... should anyone reconstruct a cruise ship with a simmilar style I would book a voyage for sure 😃 so sad it was lost ... having it as a museum for all to see would have been wonderful 😇
Thanks for highlighting this fine Art Deco masterpiece…. This is the most thorough of all the videos about her….. I ‘m lucky enough to have a heavy silver plate from her first class…. Evidently quite a bit of silver and dishware was salvaged when she was broken up in Glasgow!!
You provide many videos that tie to other relevant vessels. Could you do a series on the most significant vessels that impacted a single theme? For example, the Wilhelm Gustloff safety impacts (if any) compared to other significant tragedies such as, the Eastland Disaster that was exacerbated by the reactive Titanic safety measures? Side note: the music you pick accompanies the story line very well.
Had forgotten about this disaster. And the times it was mentioned there was never such detail as you have provided. Thanks for that. Really good video. Impressed by the research.
this is literally heartbreaking the l'atlantique didnt deserve this (ps, on the topic of this company you should do a video of their ss gallia, her sinking is horrible yet virtually nobody bats an eye)
In the late 1920s and early 1930s The French Line had a trifecta when they built three ships the first was the Ile de France launched on March 16, 1926, the second was for the South American trade which was operated by the Compagnie de Navigation Sud-Atlantique and the last ship was their crowning achievement the Normandie and she was launched on October 29, 1932. As each ship was launched they became more modern in its engineering, appearance, and design. Of the three ships the one that is a mystery to us and that time has forgotten is the L"Atlantique her life was tragically cut short in less then two years of service. The ship was on its way from Bordeaux to La Havre for overhauling. Lucky for all concerned there were no passengers on board. Apparently the fire was discovered in a first class stateroom. Within just a matter of hours the ship was burning from stern to bow it seems that the fire made its way through the ship's electric wire conduits. What made the L'Atlantique different was her builders decided to minimize the traditional lines of sheer with only a slight turn towards the bow, and absolutely flat to to the stern. But it was when passengers stepped on board the L'Altantique presented her passengers with a spectacular and fascinating array of public spaces and luxurious sleeping accommodations.These were arranged on a sophisticated axial plan, with widely divided funnel and engine uptakes creating a central thoroughfare of some 16--20 feet in width through each of the passenger decks. First class passengers entered the ship via the embarkation hall on E deck amidships. The central part of this hall was an atrium 3 decks high, comparable to those on some of today's cruise ships. The ceiling displayed a map of the Atlantic ocean with a small replica of the ship sailing the ocean, allowing passengers to see where the ship was positioned - a device to be found in other ships of state. On the main level of this hall, passengers would find the hair dressing saloon, the purser's office, a florist and the information desk on the port side, the news agent, a book shop, and a department store on the starboard side. Forward and aft of the hall ran another striking feature, La Rue de I'Atlantique (Boulevard of the L'Atlantique), on the main axis of the ship, in a space freed by the split uptakes. This passage space was 137 m long, 5 m wide and 6 m high, and led to the main first class staterooms of E deck. Close to the atrium, passengers would find deluxe shops and 36 showcases displaying the best of France, you could even purchase a Hispano-Suiza motor car. The two upper levels of the atrium led to the first class staterooms. The walls were covered with white marble, enhanced by pillars and moldings of polished steel. Though there was no natural light, this hall and passage were rendered very bright owing to the light walls and a powerful lighting system. The staircase, featuring railings of wrought iron by Raymond Subes were located on the port side of the Rue de I'Atlantique and the elevator was opposite on the starboard side. An additional staircase and elevator were located forward of the atrium, on the port side. On upper decks the architects built the 1st class dining room and the main lounge on different levels (C & B decks), allowing both rooms to be connected by the Grande Descente (Staircase), so typical in French liners, for elegant female passengers to show off their formal ball gowns. This dining room was located aft of the main staircase between funnel uptakes 2 and 3 on C deck, and boasted spectacular dimensions: 9 m (3 decks) high, 24 m wide, 32 m long. The room was very bright, thanks to five tall windows on each side opening onto a wide terrace, which was part of the promenade deck that ran aft. The windows were separated by twin columns covered with mahogany. Lighting was provided from the coffered ceiling and indirect lighting fixtures mounted on the columns on each side. The room was decorated with lacquered panels by Jean Dunand, humorously depicting exotic animals. Each corner of the room held such a panel featuring lions, tigers, elephants or antelopes, a fifth representing birds had been hung on a curved recess in the middle of the aft bulkhead. The railing was the creation of Andre Ruhlmann. The upper part of the windows was covered by light wrought-iron works resembling Venetian blinds by Raymond Subes. lt is not hard to imagine the room when lit. The effect of the reflecting light on these lacquered panels was particularly striking. On B deck, forward of the dining room's staircase between funnel uptakes 2 and 1 was located the very grand main lounge. The walls were covered with pink and green marble, the shape of the ceiling increased the height thus providing a dramatic impression, while natural light entered the room through twelve tall windows. Close to each corner stood a huge twelve-sided vase of stainless metal which provided indirect lighting also they set on a base that incorporated the ventilation system. Other lighting fixtures created by Raymond Subes were mounted on the walls. At the forward end of the room was the statue of Diana Goddess of the Hunt with her dog on a leash. Tables and armchairs, and several art deco carpets comprised the furniture. The wooden floor was covered by a carpet that could be rolled up if the lounge was used for dancing. This main lounge was as impressive as the dining room. Forward of this main lounge was a lobby (plus a staircase and an elevator, one on each side) and the Salon Ovale, the rooms being separated by a wrought iron door by Raymond Subes. The Salon Ovale could serve as a chapel, ballroom or 'salon de conversation, the dimensions were less dramatic than that of the dining room or the main lounge and its decoration was warmer and more intimate. And Most people were in agreement that it was certainly the best art deco designed room of the liner with its long dimensions the room featured ten windows and ten pillars. Rosewood paneling enhanced the room and on the upper part of its center ran a frieze by Jean Dunand of black and gilded lacquered panels which represented animals, polar bears, deer, boars, herons and the like on a background of wild bushes. The ceiling of this magnificent room featured a huge opera-like crystal chandelier, and the central floor could be used for dancing with a band stand placed forward, opposite the entrance. When the room was not being used for dancing, the floor was covered by a massive carpet, various chairs, armchairs and small tables which made for intimate conversation. The L'Atlantique was 42,512 gross tons Her capacity was 414 first class passengers, 158 second class and 584 third class.
Vous avez fait un excellent résumé. On vois que vous avez été très bien documenté, mes félicitations ! 👍 Regarding the weak points concerning the interior equipment, following the endless investigations it was shown that all the marble stucco wall veneers and other luxury decorative magnificence were fixed to the metal walls by non-fireproofed wooden frames. This is not very wise by definition. Then the electrical cable harnesses that ran through the false ceilings were also attached to white wooden cleats. The false ceilings of the Atlantic were not partitioned and were subdivided by metal braces, which meant that huge open areas could be seen in the false ceilings and this allowed the fire to move over the heads of the crew and pop up in another part of the ship or on another deck. The aggravating factor was the opening of the portholes and portolons to expel the smoke, which in turn increased the draft of the fire.
Please use paragraphs next time, instead of one intimidating block. People, perhaps unfairly, shy away from such an unstructured mass of words. Me: a translator and editor.
I’m a big fan of ships, have dozens of books, but I’ve never heard of this ship When I see “Art Deco I automatically think of the Normandie Thanks for sharing
This is one of my favourite ocean liners!! SS L’Atlantique was a true beauty. Art Deco in all its finest best. I just love this era. What a tragic ending though 😢 Excellent video and well told. Your voice is comforting and soothing. Kudos to you for improving your French! For what it is worth, to my untrained ear the pronunciation was good 👍
This is the only channel that gets me to at least snort a little when you swap into ads. I hate when people have super duper fake over the top enjoyment for something. If you sound realistic about the product, I'll check it out! I love this channel :p
I know this isn't an ocean liner, but could you please cover the Sultana? It's a lesser known tragedy that due to Lincoln's assassination was quickly forgotten. I feel it deserves to reach a wider audience via your professional presentation.
Great watching this well made video. Much appreciated. In the summary at 16.36 it is stated that 5 French Liners were destroyed by fire between 1932 and 1942. Two amongst those mentioned were Lafayette and Normandie. Weren't they one and the same ship, the Normandie was under conversion to a troop ship renamed Lafayette in New York, but she caught fire and capsized at the dock?
Lafayette was an intermediate size French liner 1930, 25,000 ton motor ship, which burned in Le Harve drydock 5/5/38 while Normandie was to be renamed Lafayette for US troop ship service.
They build such beautiful, truly awesome vessels. When they "die," by shipwreck, fire or scrap, it's so tragic to me. I guess in part because I love ships, but also because it's the loss of something truly magnificent. 🌹⚓
Perfect video as always. Can you make a video about German four funnel ships Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse and her sister ships? Their story and technical features are amazing.
L'Atlantique may not look nice from the outside but the interiors are one of my favorite. Tbh I find this french art deco style little bit minimalistic in some ways. Nice vid
Talking exterior, L'Antique is, in my modest and unimportant opinion, the ugliest of the big old boats (hey, you said be nice to people, not ships). Nice interiors, but as you say, a bulky looking ship. Also, the bridge of a liner is, to me, its face, and oh what a busy looking face that was. None of this, of course, means that I'm glad it caught fire. Your mentioning of the other big liner fires really brought home for me just what William F. Gibbs was striving for in his own designs. As always, great footage, great research, BOB.
Putting oil on wood makes it an excellent fuel for fire. This is basic knowledge. You just have to wonder why ocean liners at that time were built to become floating grill ovens.
OK - your decision to improve your command of French has inspired me to do the same, as it's been on my to-do list for some time. As you said, Fall - and Winter - will be seasons of learning for us. Regards, Kev ps. I'll post again in March 2023 - in French. -K.
There is a story (urban legend?) that one of the names considered for one of the CGT's postwar liners was the SS Jeanne D'Arc ... until officials looked at their track record and realized naming their newest ship after a woman who was burned at the stake might be tempting fate a bit too much!
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@@mikearakelian6368 Why, mon petit?
I like your videos about French Liners. Will you make a video of the SS France (1910) and SS Paris (1916)
TY
Italian!
Just found this video. How is your French now? Likely much better than mine after high school many years ago.
Captain: open all the portholes.
Me: uh oh.
When the hulk of this beautiful ship was sent for breaking, she was dismantled at Smith and Houston in Port Glasgow on the lower reaches of the river Clyde. My mother's family, who lived in Glasgow (which is about 21 miles from Port Glasgow), spent many holidays, trips, and visiting friends in Gourock, Greenock and other nearby towns to where she was being broken up. I remember her talking about this hauntingly beautiful ship, even in her ruinous condition, dwarfing the buildings on shore. There was an air of tragedy about her, for obvious reasons. Did she mention an acrid smell when the wind was onshore??? Thank you for a first-rate video.
I really don't think the ship is that beautiful but that's your opinion and it's completely fine but I didn't gain that much attraction but it's sad to see it be lot with four other french ships
the normandie,layfayette,George Phillipar,and paris
I am reporting my mother's story, she having direct contact, as it were. Similarly, with the Clyde being a terminus for Cunard, Candian Pacific, Anchor Line's, inter alia, international services she would see a huge variety of shipping as a matter of course. Add to that the smaller vessels specialising in specific cargoes - perhaps with passenger accommodation as well. Locally, between the wars was a heyday of as many as forty coastal steamers, many paddle driven, servicing the many small villages on the sea lochs of the lower estuary and the Clyde was a wonderland of shipping. Her father (my grandfather) worked int he Head Office of Burns Laird in Glasgow, another company specialising in passenger and cargo routes to Northern Ireland and the Free State, as it was called at the time. Somewhere, in a drawer there is a ticket of admission to John Brown's yard at Clydebank in September 1938 to see the launch of the 'Queen Elizabeth'. As you say 'à chacun son goût'. Personally? She had a French elegance, skilfully designed by the naval architects who had to solve specific problems vis a vis shallow water at her South American termini.
@@Alistair14 oh ok but tbh I found the ship quite beautiful
@@TaT1CaL Seeing them in the flesh is quite different to a grainy black&white film. Nevertheless, some of the shots from above, in her better days, for a moment or two she could be mistaken for the Normandie; which in my view was the most beautiful ocean liner ever.
@@Alistair14 Did people start to think these ships were unsafe and not want to sail on them or did they think it wouldn't happen when they were sailing? I would have thought after two, it would have seemed risky, but then people sailed on modern cruise ships despite diseases sweeping through, so I don't know how optimistic they were about their own luck.
5:20 "Carbonic acid gas" is a really old-fashioned name for carbon dioxide, if anyone wondered.
I wondered what it was
When I was six years old my father took me for a ride on the ferry Kalakala, which was another art deco masterpiece. It was based in Seattle and operated on Puget Sound from 1935 to 1967.
Thank you for your focus on this disaster. It is a frightening tale. Unfortunately, it was realized too late that the beautiful Art Deco furnishings and rugs made the fire spread. RIP for those who perished and their families.
I'd never heard of this ship until this video. She looked amazing--bonus because I adore art deco. Sickening that she only lasted a handful of voyages before being destroyed. Thank you so much for your amazing work! Always look forward to new videos. Be well!
Thank you for the kind words!
L’Atlantique is a hidden gem, Art Deco wise and ship design wise. I don’t understand how people can call her hideous, when she has Art Deco that rivals the Normandie. Oh well, I guess people are entitled their own opinion. Nice video as always BOB!
It's her exterior ugh!
I just can't with that design. The ship from the outside looks like it wants to fall over because it's too top heavy! Kinda like the Imperator or "Limperator." (Sorry! I had to.) From the inside though, L'Antlantique looks like heaven on earth.
The inside looked amazing. The outside looked awkward and lumpy.
I really don't think many ships are ugly. Same with cars. If the world was full of good looking or boring conservative designs just think how boring it would be.
I agree, she's absolutely a hidden gem. Thank you for the kind words!
The short stax R part of the 'motorship' vogue; even if you're not powered by the newfangled diesels, U can try 2 look the part. The Bauhaus form of Art Deco was meant 2 stir reaction in the observer.
Her interior decor touxhed that point of perfection just below overbearing, a very sad loss
The L’Atlantique is one of the most under-appreciated, and underrated ship of all time. She was truly a beautiful ship, but sometimes even I have forgotten about her. Great video, I love to learn about new ships!
L' is french for "the", you can call her "L'Atlantique"
If sometime, you forget her (which means you ALREADY, know about it), how can it be, learning about, a 'new' ship 🤔???
@@rogerrendzak8055 I am talking about new ships in general
@@constancel4211 You've been using Babbel! 😃
@@michaelwhite2823 No I'm French
I found her to be a beautiful ship even before the funnel extensions.
Thank you for sharing your research and the story, BOB.
Thank you for watching!
3:16 This A.M. Cassandre poster has been hanging in my living room for 20 years. I had not seen pictures of her interiors before. Amazing. Even more impressive than her contemporary Isle de France. Thank you for sharing the details of this beautiful but tragic liner.
Thank you! It's one of my all time favorite posters.
Thank you for remembering the crew who were lost in this tragedy.
I can't understand the decision to provide ventilation for a fire to grow; instead of starving the fire from air and area to spread.
A beautiful lost gem. It certainly seems like France had a firebug demon among their ships. Just seems odd.
Maybe nazi agents
The French lines suffered from so many fires . So odd that the launching was scheduled on April 14th the same date the titanic struck the iceberg.
SS Paris, SS Normandie, SS L’Atlantique, etc. I see your point.
it burned at the perfect moment for the owner. it raises eyebrows
I knew of this story before your video but you fill in many gaps, go into much more detail, talk more of the human side of the story and ended with a memorial for the 19 crewmembers lost. Top notch, almost forgot-----great narration.
Thank you!
One of my 2 favorite Ocean Liners. Normandie is the other one. Her interiors were breathtaking. I'm so glad you made a video about her as when I mention her to others they just look at me with a 'vacant' expression. She's often overlooked due to Normandie's iconic status. I'm not a great fan of the Queen Mary or Queen Elizabeth. They just remind me of a 'Stuffy, Staid, Moldy, Old English Country House'. I love Art-Deco. Kudos to you and the work you do here. It's much appreciated by all of us.
I do wonder if both L’Atlantique and Normandie’s wide open first class spaces made them especially vulnerable. I’d love to see more footage of her - she appears to have very beautifully designed interiors.
Once again, I must praise the fact that this channel gives us the dimensions of these spaces, which is so important to understanding on a visceral level how big and grand they are.
I knew this story but never knew about some of the amazing Art Deco aspects of the ships interiors. Thank you for the history lesson.
Breathtaking interior design of a ship I have never known before.
Great video.
Why can't we have architecture like this anymore, it's absolutely breathtaking?😭
Because it isn’t financially feasible.
The Art Flambeau liners with lacquered wood Of course for that era, one couldn't beat the HINDENBURG in which the outer covering was painted with what is used as solid rocket propellant.
@Dennis Wilson If the film of the burning is observed, it isn't as if the lifting cells are just burning and exhausting the burning hydrogen upward, the fire on the skin can be seen racing downward at a very rapid rate. Of course many fabrics eventually were treated with fire retardent chemicals which turned out to be carcinogens, neurotoxins and generated other health treats. Like on the ship there were asbestos curtains designed to create fire breaks which had their own problems. It's like you just can't win.
But that wasn’t known at the time the ship was constructed.
Hell, we didn’t even have the wheel back then, my friend ;-)
I definitely have a strong impression of sabotage. And especially after five more burned up. It's a blessing that she had no passengers!
so based on this, a fire was detected on multiple decks, happened on a trip without passengers and the company was already struggling... and fought for the total write-off of the ship. hmmm burning art-deco is not the only thing that smells
Exactly! This is arson for the insurance money no doubt.
Thank you, Kosh! Reading through the comments about this obvious work of arson with not a mention of the terrible crime involved, I was amazed how naïve the viewers were. And the narrator, too! So money people just sleep-walk through life.
@@johntechwriter I had a boss/mentour who called them 'Wandering generalities'. It is a phrase I have used for many many years, and is only more accurate over time
To me 1930s Art Deco was how to make modern architecture while not neglecting beauty, everything change after WW II
nobody needs beauty. everything should be about function only.
@@kai990 statements conjured up by the utterly deranged
@@kai990 that's not true. Aesthetics are important. They change how we feel in a space. People literally travel a long way just to see a beautiful sight. Maybe people can live in an ugly world but it doesn't mean they will be as efficient as of thet were comfortable.
I suppose not strictly necessary but helpful.
@@kai990 So no art, not even music....🤔
Never heard of this ship before. Thank you for introducing me to such a fabulous liner!
Glad to hear it, thank you!
the superb interiors of such a ship ( that remind me somehow of the interior of the Versailles royal palace) would still amaze and inspire today's tourists already bored by common "casino-style" of many modern ships.... should anyone reconstruct a cruise ship with a simmilar style I would book a voyage for sure 😃
so sad it was lost ... having it as a museum for all to see would have been wonderful 😇
Thanks for highlighting this fine Art Deco masterpiece…. This is the
most thorough of all the videos about her…..
I ‘m lucky enough to have a heavy silver plate from her first class…. Evidently quite a bit of silver and dishware was salvaged when she was broken up in Glasgow!!
Glad you enjoyed it, thank you!
As always - a great video. Thanks so much for producing these. I enjoy them - the visuals and the history - so much!
You provide many videos that tie to other relevant vessels. Could you do a series on the most significant vessels that impacted a single theme? For example, the Wilhelm Gustloff safety impacts (if any) compared to other significant tragedies such as, the Eastland Disaster that was exacerbated by the reactive Titanic safety measures? Side note: the music you pick accompanies the story line very well.
French: *Makes a liner*
Fire: Now this looks like a job for me, everybody follow me
Wow this ship had such an awesome interior it’s a shame it was also contributed to her demise and so early in her career 😢
Loved the video, L’Atlantique is one of my favourite ocean liners of all time, interior wise.
Had forgotten about this disaster. And the times it was mentioned there was never such detail as you have provided. Thanks for that.
Really good video. Impressed by the research.
Thank you so much!
this is literally heartbreaking the l'atlantique didnt deserve this
(ps, on the topic of this company you should do a video of their ss gallia, her sinking is horrible yet virtually nobody bats an eye)
Holy crap, and there's film. Awesome content. Thank you.
Thank you for another great video. I look forward to many more.
Thank you!
'it's extremely fortunate, the disaster happened when it wasn't, carrying passengers'. Yeah, how coincidenal 🙄!!!
Thank you for this glimpse of history.
That was a lot of work to put that together. Nicely done!
Thank you!
In the late 1920s and early 1930s The French Line had a trifecta when they built three ships the first was the Ile de France launched on March 16, 1926, the second was for the South American trade which was operated by the Compagnie de Navigation Sud-Atlantique and the last ship was their crowning achievement the Normandie and she was launched on October 29, 1932. As each ship was launched they became more modern in its engineering, appearance, and design. Of the three ships the one that is a mystery to us and that time has forgotten is the L"Atlantique her life was tragically cut short in less then two years of service. The ship was on its way from Bordeaux to La Havre for overhauling. Lucky for all concerned there were no passengers on board. Apparently the fire was discovered in a first class stateroom. Within just a matter of hours the ship was burning from stern to bow it seems that the fire made its way through the ship's electric wire conduits. What made the L'Atlantique different was her builders decided to minimize the traditional lines of sheer with only a slight turn towards the bow, and absolutely flat to to the stern.
But it was when passengers stepped on board the L'Altantique presented her passengers with a spectacular and fascinating array of public spaces and luxurious sleeping accommodations.These were arranged on a sophisticated axial plan, with widely divided funnel and engine uptakes creating a central thoroughfare of some 16--20 feet in width through each of the passenger decks. First class passengers entered the ship via the embarkation hall on E deck amidships. The central part of this hall was an atrium 3 decks high, comparable to those on some of today's cruise ships. The ceiling displayed a map of the Atlantic ocean with a small replica of the ship sailing the ocean, allowing passengers to see where the ship was positioned - a device to be found in other ships of state. On the main level of this hall, passengers would find the hair dressing saloon, the purser's office, a florist and the information desk on the port side, the news agent, a book shop, and a department store on the starboard side. Forward and aft of the hall ran another striking feature, La Rue de I'Atlantique (Boulevard of the L'Atlantique), on the main axis of the ship, in a space freed by the split uptakes. This passage space was 137 m long, 5 m wide and 6 m high, and led to the main first class staterooms of E deck. Close to the atrium, passengers would find deluxe shops and 36 showcases displaying the best of France, you could even purchase a Hispano-Suiza motor car. The two upper levels of the atrium led to the first class staterooms. The walls were covered with white marble, enhanced by pillars and moldings of polished steel. Though there was no natural light, this hall and passage were rendered very bright owing to the light walls and a powerful lighting system. The staircase, featuring railings of wrought iron by Raymond Subes were located on the port side of the Rue de I'Atlantique and the elevator was opposite on the starboard side. An additional staircase and elevator were located forward of the atrium, on the port side. On upper decks the architects built the 1st class dining room and the main lounge on different levels (C & B decks), allowing both rooms to be connected by the Grande Descente (Staircase), so typical in French liners, for elegant female passengers to show off their formal ball gowns. This dining room was located aft of the main staircase between funnel uptakes 2 and 3 on C deck, and boasted spectacular dimensions: 9 m (3 decks) high, 24 m wide, 32 m long. The room was very bright, thanks to five tall windows on each side opening onto a wide terrace, which was part of the promenade deck that ran aft. The windows were separated by twin columns covered with mahogany. Lighting was provided from the coffered ceiling and indirect lighting fixtures mounted on the columns on each side. The room was decorated with lacquered panels by Jean Dunand, humorously depicting exotic animals. Each corner of the room held such a panel featuring lions, tigers, elephants or antelopes, a fifth representing birds had been hung on a curved recess in the middle of the aft bulkhead. The railing was the creation of Andre Ruhlmann. The upper part of the windows was covered by light wrought-iron works resembling Venetian blinds by Raymond Subes. lt is not hard to imagine the room when lit. The effect of the reflecting light on these lacquered panels was particularly striking. On B deck, forward of the dining room's staircase between funnel uptakes 2 and 1 was located the very grand main lounge. The walls were covered with pink and green marble, the shape of the ceiling increased the height thus providing a dramatic impression, while natural light entered the room through twelve tall windows. Close to each corner stood a huge twelve-sided vase of stainless metal which provided indirect lighting also they set on a base that incorporated the ventilation system. Other lighting fixtures created by Raymond Subes were mounted on the walls. At the forward end of the room was the statue of Diana Goddess of the Hunt with her dog on a leash. Tables and armchairs, and several art deco carpets comprised the furniture. The wooden floor was covered by a carpet that could be rolled up if the lounge was used for dancing. This main lounge was as impressive as the dining room. Forward of this main lounge was a lobby (plus a staircase and an elevator, one on each side) and the Salon Ovale, the rooms being separated by a wrought iron door by Raymond Subes. The Salon Ovale could serve as a chapel, ballroom or 'salon de conversation, the dimensions were less dramatic than that of the dining room or the main lounge and its decoration was warmer and more intimate. And Most people were in agreement that it was certainly the best art deco designed room of the liner with its long dimensions the room featured ten windows and ten pillars. Rosewood paneling enhanced the room and on the upper part of its center ran a frieze by Jean Dunand of black and gilded lacquered panels which represented animals, polar bears, deer, boars, herons and the like on a background of wild bushes. The ceiling of this magnificent room featured a huge opera-like crystal chandelier, and the central floor could be used for dancing with a band stand placed forward, opposite the entrance. When the room was not being used for dancing, the floor was covered by a massive carpet, various chairs, armchairs and small tables which made for intimate conversation.
The L'Atlantique was 42,512 gross tons Her capacity was 414 first class passengers, 158 second class and 584 third class.
Vous avez fait un excellent résumé. On vois que vous avez été très bien documenté, mes félicitations ! 👍 Regarding the weak points concerning the interior equipment, following the endless investigations it was shown that all the marble stucco wall veneers and other luxury decorative magnificence were fixed to the metal walls by non-fireproofed wooden frames. This is not very wise by definition. Then the electrical cable harnesses that ran through the false ceilings were also attached to white wooden cleats. The false ceilings of the Atlantic were not partitioned and were subdivided by metal braces, which meant that huge open areas could be seen in the false ceilings and this allowed the fire to move over the heads of the crew and pop up in another part of the ship or on another deck. The aggravating factor was the opening of the portholes and portolons to expel the smoke, which in turn increased the draft of the fire.
Please use paragraphs next time, instead of one intimidating block. People, perhaps unfairly, shy away from such an unstructured mass of words.
Me: a translator and editor.
I’m a big fan of ships, have dozens of books, but I’ve never heard of this ship
When I see “Art Deco I automatically think of the Normandie
Thanks for sharing
Really enjoyed this. Thanks for your research of this beautiful ship. I’m sure you were a hit in Paris!
@4:41 that is some uncanny valley stuff right there! Another fantastic video! ❤
This is one of my favourite ocean liners!! SS L’Atlantique was a true beauty. Art Deco in all its finest best. I just love this era. What a tragic ending though 😢 Excellent video and well told. Your voice is comforting and soothing.
Kudos to you for improving your French! For what it is worth, to my untrained ear the pronunciation was good 👍
Thank you! Doing my best :)
@@BigOldBoats Doing a great job! I’m proud to be a subscriber ☺️
Imagine being on that and than u see the fire 🔥 it's scary
Thanks again for the content
This is the only channel that gets me to at least snort a little when you swap into ads. I hate when people have super duper fake over the top enjoyment for something. If you sound realistic about the product, I'll check it out! I love this channel :p
I love the art decor the French liners always seemed to be the most luxurious
Wonderful video! I didn’t know about this ship. Thank you!
Thank you for watching!
Sooo amazingly interesting you present so well totally hooked thankyou
I really enjoy and appreciate your research and excellent narration! Thank you!
Another brilliantly edited video, many thanks.
Thank you!
Awesome job putting this together
Thank you!
Well done, thank you.
I had no idea L'Atlantique's life was so short, what a pity.
Very very good of you ..fabulous
Work ..so interesting...thank you
So much...
Excellent video!
Love your videos. Very gracefully done
Another great video and story telling 👌
Thank you!
Thanks for the videos B.o.B
Never heard of this one. Thank you!
Wow, she certainly was a beautiful big old boat.
Thankyou for your awesome content.
Thanks for watching!
Amazing presentation as always.
i love this so much omg l'atlantique is one of my favourite french ships
What a magnificent ship she was
So she left port on April 15th, the same date the Titanic sank. Pretty cursed indeed!
I know this isn't an ocean liner, but could you please cover the Sultana? It's a lesser known tragedy that due to Lincoln's assassination was quickly forgotten. I feel it deserves to reach a wider audience via your professional presentation.
Thank you for this story.
Great watching this well made video. Much appreciated. In the summary at 16.36 it is stated that 5 French Liners were destroyed by fire between 1932 and 1942. Two amongst those mentioned were Lafayette and Normandie. Weren't they one and the same ship, the Normandie was under conversion to a troop ship renamed Lafayette in New York, but she caught fire and capsized at the dock?
Lafayette was an intermediate size French liner 1930, 25,000 ton motor ship, which burned in Le Harve drydock 5/5/38 while Normandie was to be renamed Lafayette for US troop ship service.
@@kennethhanks6712 Thanks for the clarification. A bad omen then for the former Normandie. The old superstition about renaming ships came to fruition.
Great work, one of my go to channels for ships
Glad you enjoy it, thank you!
They build such beautiful, truly awesome vessels. When they "die," by shipwreck, fire or scrap, it's so tragic to me. I guess in part because I love ships, but also because it's the loss of something truly magnificent. 🌹⚓
4:38 Interesting, the same day and month as the official plunge of the Titanic
I enjoyed it very much 😊
Excellent video. However, the stateroom pictured at 7:13 is actually from Normandie.
Babbel is actually great. It is. 🤷🏼♀️☺️ and your intro was super sweet ☺️
What man's arrogance can create...Gods power can destroy 🔥
I frikkin love this kid. Lovely voice
Thank you for posting this very informative video about this often forgotten liner.
Thank you!
"Squat funnels" does sound unappealing.
Perfect video as always. Can you make a video about German four funnel ships Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse and her sister ships? Their story and technical features are amazing.
Thanks!
Thank you for your support!
The color photo you show of a stateroom is actually the deluxe suite Fecamp on the Normandie.
Great video
L'Atlantique may not look nice from the outside but the interiors are one of my favorite. Tbh I find this french art deco style little bit minimalistic in some ways. Nice vid
Talking exterior, L'Antique is, in my modest and unimportant opinion, the ugliest of the big old boats (hey, you said be nice to people, not ships). Nice interiors, but as you say, a bulky looking ship. Also, the bridge of a liner is, to me, its face, and oh what a busy looking face that was. None of this, of course, means that I'm glad it caught fire. Your mentioning of the other big liner fires really brought home for me just what William F. Gibbs was striving for in his own designs.
As always, great footage, great research, BOB.
Which is it, ships or boats?
@@johntechwriter Vessels.
The Curse of the Titanic plagued the L'Atlantique since April 15th, 1930, and she succumbed to her curse in January 1933
Putting oil on wood makes it an excellent fuel for fire. This is basic knowledge. You just have to wonder why ocean liners at that time were built to become floating grill ovens.
A beauty I knew nothing about.
Does anyone know from which black and white movie are the scenes of crew battling flames please?
I love it when you talk French ♥️ great channel🍿
OK - your decision to improve your command of French has inspired me to do the same, as it's been on my to-do list for some time.
As you said, Fall - and Winter - will be seasons of learning for us.
Regards,
Kev
ps. I'll post again in March 2023 - in French.
-K.
Fascinating.
The L'Atlantique burned on my Birthday...
I've got that postcard with her name on my wall at home. what a tragic loss
beautiful interiors that's for sure!
Dang! That’s a tragedy. I love the old liners. Today’s cruises got no soul
There is a story (urban legend?) that one of the names considered for one of the CGT's postwar liners was the SS Jeanne D'Arc ... until officials looked at their track record and realized naming their newest ship after a woman who was burned at the stake might be tempting fate a bit too much!
Not sure I would have planned a launching on the aniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, just saying
bro u deserve more subscribers
I agree haha