"A Titanic Setting"

        As the ship’s bow sliced through the icy waters of the North Atlantic in April 1912, diners aboard the R.M.S. Titanic experienced gastronomic pageantry unrivaled on the high seas. Having a variety of luxurious restaurants from which to choose, first-class passengers were served a vast array of delicacies available only to the wealthiest of Edwardians.
        Setting the standard, the a la carte restaurant, known as the "Ritz," was frequented by the creme de la creme of the first-class passengers. Patterned after the famous Ritz Hotel in London, the a la carte restaurant featured Louis Seize decor with carved, gold-gilded walnut paneling and furniture, and deep-piled Axminster carpeting. 
        But it was the food and service that enticed the most well-heeled passengers. Choreographed by restaurant manager Luigi Gatti, tuxedo clad waiters catered to every whim of their first-class passengers, serving the finest cuisine available anywhere prepared by Executive Chef Rousseau and his staff. 
        The china used to serve Titanic’s elite was produced by Spode, and this Cobalt Series was the most prestigious service on board. Featuring an elegantly grand pattern in cobalt blue and gold, this place setting was befitting its surroundings in the Titanic’s a la carte restaurant. 
        Spode decided to christen the demitasse cups and plates with given names. The demi cup was dubbed "Boston" and the plates "Sutherland." 
        The place setting featured in the photo was produced from the original molds used to create the china that was put into service aboard the RMS Titanic. Since the world famous ship sunk on her maiden voyage, most of the manufacturers of goods used on board saved their molds and formulas, knowing the value they would instantly realize. Today, you can still purchase the bath soap that was provided in the cabins of first-class passengers. Vinolia Soap is a delightfully antique blend of boracic and cold cream, and is produced by Appointment to Her Majesty, the Queen by A&F Pears Ltd. in London, England. 
        High-SocieTea would like to pay tribute on this 96^th anniversary of the Titanic’s demise to all the souls lost on board. Epitomizing the end of the Edwardian lifestyle’s golden era, she took with her the grace and elegance of her generation’s society. She will forever remain legendary.

 

Photo: Reproduction of special VIP china and First-Class cabin lamp from the RMS Titanic
          © 2007-2008 Lighthouse Literary, Inc.

Source: www.titanic.marconigraph.com