As the digital age accelerates, a troubling question arises: Are we inadvertently sacrificing our history in the pursuit of convenience? New research commissioned by luxury cruise line Cunard sheds light on the unsettling reality that the very devices meant to preserve our memories could instead be erasing them.
The study, which surveyed thousands of adults across the UK, US, and Germany, reveals that while we capture more images than ever before—an astounding 256 billion per year in just these three countries alone—a growing number of those photos remain hidden within the confines of digital devices. Worse, they often disappear altogether when storage runs out, phones break, or software updates fail to preserve them. In the UK, just 2% of people still take the time to print and store their photos in albums. The result? A silent yet profound loss of memories, both personal and historical.
These statistics highlight a looming generational gap in our collective history. According to the research, 72% of adults believe that without printed photos, future generations’ memories could be lost forever. The situation is particularly alarming for future children, whose childhoods may be forgotten, with memories buried deep in smartphones, never to be seen or shared again.
The research also indicates that a staggering 75% of adults plan to preserve photos of their children, but many haven’t made concrete plans to do so. With 43% of people expressing doubt that their digital photos will be accessible in 50 years, it’s clear that we are teetering on the edge of a memory crisis—one that we are unprepared to address.
This issue doesn’t just impact families. The same digital reliance threatens to erase significant moments in history, particularly the personal stories captured on board Cunard’s historic ocean liners. With nearly two centuries of rich history at sea, Cunard’s archives are home to thousands of images—snapshots of Hollywood icons, politicians, musicians, and royalty. Yet, many of these moments, like countless others across the globe, risk being forgotten in an increasingly digital world.
In response, Cunard is taking a bold step to preserve memories for future generations. To mark its 185th anniversary, Cunard is calling on the public to contribute their own precious photographs from voyages aboard its ships. These contributions will form part of a new exhibition, “Sea of Glamour,” curated by renowned British photographer Mary McCartney. The exhibition will not only showcase iconic Cunard moments but will also include new, public submissions, creating a global archive of unforgettable memories.
But Cunard’s initiative goes beyond celebrating nostalgia—it’s a call to action. By inviting the public to share their personal memories, Cunard aims to bridge the gap between the past and the present. The “Sea of Glamour” exhibition, debuting in Liverpool’s iconic Liver Building, will travel the world, allowing visitors to experience a timeline of nearly 200 years of ocean travel.
Mary McCartney will close the exhibition with a portrait of Queen Anne’s Icons, capturing a fresh perspective on Cunard’s longstanding ties to Liverpool. As Cunard’s Archivist, Siân Wilks, notes, “It is exciting to see how today’s events will shape the Cunard archive of the future.”
Katie McAlister, Cunard’s President, emphasizes the importance of sharing personal stories: “For 185 years, our ships have been at the heart of unforgettable moments for millions of guests and crew. This is a chance to celebrate those memories and the stories they tell. By sharing your experiences, you’ll help Mary McCartney create something truly unique—an exhibition that brings Cunard’s incredible history to life for everyone to enjoy.”
As we reflect on the rapid rise of digital technology, it’s clear that we are at a crossroads. The question remains: Will we continue to let our precious memories slip away into digital oblivion, or will we take steps to preserve them for future generations? Cunard’s “Sea of Glamour” exhibition serves as a poignant reminder that, in an increasingly transient world, the act of physically preserving our memories may be the only way to ensure they endure.
To contribute your photographs and be part of preserving history, visit www.cunard.com/seaofglamour.
