If you were wondering whether “Moygashel” was a another fancy name for a man-made fabric, like
me as I was compiling these pages, then the following will probably enlighten. Established at
the end of the 18th century in the North of Ireland, Moygashel has been making Irish Linen for
over 200 years, supplying the furnishings and apparel markets worldwide.
With the prices of these garments being the equivalent of up to two weeks wages (of the time),
how could I have ever doubted that they weren't made from the very best fabrics available? But
then, you knew that all along didn't you!
One last word on the prices. The price list, tipped-in on the back page is headed “Approximate
Retail Selling Prices.” Well, that really is a reminder of how our currency has de-valued in the
past 50 years, when you consider that the prices show for example, £2. 11s. 2d. (Pron: Two
Pounds, Eleven Shillings and Tuppence) The 2d is actually less than the One New Penny of today.
How “approximate” is that price? Anyway, in today's money, that 2d is worth somewhere between 35
and 40pence. Scary!
The Garden Lounges
This is the forward end of the garden lounge on the starboard side with the promenade deck seen behind
the two ladies. There was quite a high storm board at the doorway which was quite a nightmare to
negotiate with a tray on a rolling ship.
Two styles from the “Laeta Ramage” collection.
Left: The jumper suit “Sundae” is in a “Moygashel” fabric in Black/Lime Green, Gunmetal/Light Grey,
Bottle/Cream, Black/Pink, Umber/Stone, Navy/Ice Blue, Umber/Duck Egg.
Hip sizes: 34-38
Price: £4. 13s. 0d
Right: “Aperitif” is the charming, full-skirted suit in a “Moygashel” pure Irish linen fabric,
daintily trimmed with lace. In White, Cream, Primrose, Ice Blue, Turquoise, Pink, Pale Grey,
Light Green, Tan, Gunmetal, Light Navy or Black.
Hip sizes: 34-40
Price: £7. 10s. 0d
This view is looking aft along the Garden Lounge on the port side. On Transatlantic voyages this
would be the cabin class garden lounge. The only real difference being that there were no planters
here.
“Caribbean” - a gaily painted dress by “Laeta Ramage” in a lightweight “Moygashel” fabric. The
dress has a sweetheart neckline and the skirt falls gracefully with unpressed pleats. In
Turquoise/Grey, Lilac/Grey, Deep Rose/Grey, or Yellow/Grey on White background.
Hip Sizes: 34-40
Prices: £3. 19s. 6d
The Cocktail Bar
The forward cocktail bar was sited just aft of the observation lounge which curved around the
front of the superstructure giving good views over Caronia's foredeck and ahead to sea.
Left: A Strelitz tailored suit “Grenadine” with a fully lined jacket. A “Moygashel” fabric in
Navy, Black, Ice Blue, Gunmetal, Umber or Lime with White contrast; White, Stone or Ice Blue
with Navy contrast; Light Grey or Duck Egg with Gunmetal contrast; Cream with Black contrast
and Pink with Burnt Umber contrast.
Hip sizes 34-46
Prices: from £4. 15s. 9d
Right: “Gascoigne”, another tailored suit by Strelitz, features stitching to give a quilted
effect on the collar and cuffs. The material is a fine suitweight “Moygashel” fabric called
“Jamaica.” The skirt has 4 knife-pleats at the back. In Natural, Gold, Ice Blue, Grey, Light Fawn,
Beaver, Dark Rose, Navy and Light Navy.
Hip sizes: 34-46
Price: £8. 8s. 11d
In the early years only the public rooms on board Caronia were air-conditioned, however, so well
were they disguised you could not point and say - “That's the air-conditioning vent”,
as the panels in the background testify.
Again, in the Cocktail Bar there's lots of wood panelling and more floor art by the lino layers.
All this is complemented by several distinctive art-deco designs, like those wonderful bar stools
where even the fixing bolts to the deck are a feature.
The Balmoral Restaurant
With large mirrors replacing would-be window apertures, and having bas-relief panels carved
from limewood on either side as mock shutters, this large room is still very comfortable, even
though it is devoid of any natural light. The photo still conveys that this could be an
intimate place to enjoy your meals.
The distinctive table numbers with their silver holders complement the other pieces of dining
table furniture, like the easily recognised sugar shaker placed next to the silver flower vase.
The suit featured here is the “Avocado”, styled by “Laeta Ramage” in a “Moygashel” fabric.
Available in White, Cream, Stone, Light Grey, Lemon, Lime Green, Cherry, Ice Blue, Duck Egg, Pink,
Bottle, Tan, Navy, Gunmetal, Burnt Umber and Black.
Hip sizes: 34-42
Price: £4. 13s. 0d
The comfortable chairs, bound in blue hide with pale grey piping, show their ample proportions. The picture is made
complete by the very smart dark blue uniforms of the Maître'D and Head Waiters. The 1951/52 period menu held by
the Maître'D and seated lady was one of the major clues in helping to date this Strelitz brochure.
The Library
The Library was situated adjacent to the Writing Room. This was always a very relaxed area
of the ship. With deep pile carpets and luxurious wood veneers everywhere, the room was full
of style and panache. Again, this conveyed the air of being a room in a country club rather
than any kind of floating hotel.
The suit shown is the “Cora”, styled by “Laeta Ramage” in a “Moygashel” fabric. Colours are White,
Cream, Stone, Lemon, Light Grey, Lime Green, Pink, Cherry, Ice Blue, Duck Egg, Bottle, Tan, Navy,
Gunmetal, Burnt Umber and Black.
Hip sizes: 34-42
Price: £4. 13s. 0d
