Belmond, the luxury train operator, has unveiled a stunning new addition to its British Pullman service: a private dining car named Celia, a masterpiece of Art Deco design and conceptual art. This 1932 railway carriage, brought back to life by the visionary collaboration of film director Baz Luhrmann and his wife, production designer Catherine Martin, is a true marvel. The couple has crafted a captivating backstory for Celia, inspired by a 1930s Shakespearean actress named Celia, whose legendary performance as Titania in A Midsummer Night's Dream set the stage for the railcar's creation. The interior is a feast for the senses, adorned with burl veneers, marquetry, stained glass, mosaic, and a rich palette of saturated colors, reminiscent of the iconic red seen in Moulin Rouge and the Faena hotel in Miami Beach. Luhrmann's vision is to transport guests into a magical realm, where they become part of a story that unfolds as they travel through the English countryside, feeling as though they've stepped into a dream world. This isn't Luhrmann and Martin's first foray into designing spaces inspired by their fictional characters; their previous creation, Monsieur, a bar in New York's East Village, was a tribute to a part-time poet and full-time enfant terrible. Belmond's collaborations with renowned artists and designers are not limited to Luhrmann and Martin; they've also worked with Wes Anderson and French artist JR, transforming a 1951 parlour car and a sleeping car on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, respectively. The latest addition, Celia, is available for exclusive use, seating 12 guests, and comes with a price tag of £15,000. This is a testament to Belmond's commitment to pushing the boundaries of luxury travel, offering an unparalleled experience that blends history, art, and storytelling.
