Stephen Card

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

Stephen Card must be the artist who most consistently portrayed QE2 over the years. Many of his pictures were displayed on board, while others were available for sale in the shop.

I once "almost" met him -- he was on board QV, while I had arrived at Zeebrugge on QE2. Some of the friends I was with, knew him and were trying to organise a meeting with him -- this did not work out at the last minute for reasons I have forgotten.

Willem van der Leek has today informed Liners' List that Stephen Card has suffered a stroke and is in hospital at present, doing well but unable to speak.

I have a picture of his at home myself and shall be thinking of him.

[Twynkle]

Thank you for this, Isabelle
This is really sad news - hopefully word might reach him with sincere good wishes for a speedy and good recovery from all on the Forum / QE2 who have known him.
Very hopefully the stroke may not have affected his wonderful talent as a great artist.... 

Captain Card has been legendary in the world of maritime art over many years - and recently he and Dr Stephen Payne were in touch through Rotterdam as well as QM2.

Here are links to both his art work as well as his wide experience as a mariner.
http://www.shipsnostalgia.com/gallery/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/9565
http://www.beyondships.com/Cruise-people-card.html

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

It seems that Stephen Card is already doing a lot better. Even though he still has problems speaking, he is already drawing again and communicating via his computer.

Was he a mariner before becoming an artist? Did he practise as a captain?

[Twynkle]

Hello Isabelle,
Stephen Card before retirement was definitely a Mariner.
He has had a great career, and despite an illness, is now in good form, his wit is exceptionally dry!
He paints (in oil on canvas) much from memory as well as from seeing black and white photographs (note, not 'coloured' images)
his attention to detail has been well remarked on

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

I have a picture of his at home myself and shall be thinking of him.

I wonder how Stephen Card is doing now.

This is the picture of his that I have at home, hanging over my desk and giving me pleasure every time I look at it.

There were many more of his paintings on board QE2.


QE2 in her early days

[Peter Mugridge]

I wonder how Stephen Card is doing now.

He seems to be highly productive...


Google search results for Stephen J Card maritime artist


Edited to add: Yay!  I finally got shortlinking to work!